by Chad Harp
Staff Writer
With seven players under a two game disciplinary suspension, the women’s volleyball team was able salvage a 1-1 record last week, defeating Pomona-Pitzer in five games but forfeiting against conference rival Cal Lutheran.
The team followed up the tough week with a three set victory over Caltech on Tuesday night in Pasadena.
With the suspension of the players looming over the ULV campus, the women’s volleyball team found themselves in a very difficult situation.
Due to their winning record, the women’s volleyball team has earned its way to being one of the most recognizable teams on campus.
On road to attain another SCIAC championship, the team has taken this adversity as a speed bump.
The Leopards called in junior Jane Saikali, who decided to not participate in volleyball this year, due to her academic workload. She completed all the team requirements to play, and ULV had a full team for the Pomona-Pitzer game.
With the six girls playing well, the Leopards were able to win the first two games 30-22, 30-27.
The Sagehens stepped up their game and took the next two games 30-24, 30-28.
With the teeter-totter balanced, the Leopards took the deciding fifth game and the match with a 15-12 victory.
The team agreed that Saikali was the key in saving the match against Pomona.
La Verne was not as fortunate in its next game as Saikali was unable to show for the Cal Lu game Saturday, which resulted in a Leopard forfeit.
All that behind them, the team came together last Tuesday with only one girl missing due to a lengthened disciplinary suspension.
Going to Caltech, the Leopards were able to win the match in 3 games; 30-15, 30-22, 30-8.
The Leopards come together this weekend to host and compete in their first tournament of the year.
They will play at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday with opponents Emory, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Chapman.
