SportsVolleyball

Spikers go for win in Minnesota tourney

Junior middle blocker Denise Rice attempts a spike while senior setter Kim Caravalho is ready to assist in the team’s second match at Azusa Pacific. / photo by Melissa A. Collett
Junior middle blocker Denise Rice attempts a spike while senior setter Kim Caravalho is ready to assist in the team’s second match at Azusa Pacific. / photo by Melissa A. Collett

by Tanessa Dillard
Sports Editor

After losing its first two matches of the season, the women’s volleyball team hopes to improve its game at the St. Bens Holiday Inn Invitational this weekend in St. Joseph, Minn.

The team lost to Masters College, 10-15, 5-15, 6-15, last Thursday and to Azusa Pacific, 6-15, 15-17, 9-15, last Saturday.

“The first game was a disappointment to us,” said Head Coach Jim Paschal. “We expected to play better than we did. It just didn’t come about.”

Paschal said that any team with new players will have problems to work out.

“It was a learning experience, because it was our first actual match. We were still learning,” said junior middle blocker Denise Rice. “It was a positive experience.”

The team also recognizes that its season opener was actually the 10th game of the season for Masters.

Freshman outside hitter Jennifer Edie led the team with 10 kills in the Masters game. Senior setter Kim Caravalho had seven digs.

In the match against Azusa, the Leos played a weak first game.

“Not only was I disappointed, the team was disappointed,” Paschal said of the first game.

In the second and third games, the women proved they could give Azusa a challenge.

They came back from 2-8 in the second game, leading 15-14 until Azusa tied the game. The team fought for the win but lost the struggle in the end.

Rice, who dominated at the net and shook off a fall in the third game, felt the team improved in the Saturday match.

“We played together as a team and focused on what needed to be done,” said Rice. “We all did our part to work together.”

Senior outside hitter Michelle Pulver kept ULV in the game with her consistent serving and versatility on the court.

Sophomore middle blocker Michelle Runyan also assisted the team at crucial points with major digs from the hard-hitting Cougars.

“We’re going to feel better in our next match,” said Paschal.

The team plays five teams in the tournament this weekend. Its next match is Sept. 22 at 7:30 against Occidental in the Supertents.

Tanessa Dillard, Managing Editor
Tanessa Dillard
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Melissa A. Collett, Photography Editor
Melissa A. Collett
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