by Chad Harp
Staff Writer
After capturing its second straight conference title, the University of La Verne’s women’s volleyball team flew north to battle the top teams in the region.
And following an impressive run in the tournament, the Leopards flew home on Sunday with not only a regional title, but the news they will be hosting the quarter final match against Mount Saint Joseph’s, Ohio this Saturday in the Supertents.
This last weekend at Cal State Hayward University in the 2001 NCAA Division III West Region Tournament, the Leopards ventured into what is the elite eight, by knocking off every team in their conference, and every top team in the region.
Flying out of Ontario International Airport at the crack of dawn last Wednesday, the Leopards arrived in Oakland, and then traveled into CSHU to prepare for their first opponent Nebraska Wesleyan Thursday night.
In the single-game elimination tournament La Verne needed to win every game in order to stay alive. The Leopards made the first round interesting when they took the match to the full five games but won the deciding game 15-11.
“Our first game we really struggled, but we were just good enough to pull it off,” said freshman Amy Kratochvil.
The next day La Verne was matched up with the champions from Whitworth College. In this game, the Leopards brought out their best game and walked through the opposing forces in a three game sweep.
“We got some key plays from Kelsey (Kennedy) and good consistency from Adele (Jones) that allowed us to get through the second game with strong play from the rest of the team,” said head coach Don Flora.
This victory set up the big regional final between Cal State Hayward and La Verne on Saturday night.
With Hayward having the home court advantage and saturation of fans, the Leopards ‘cheering section was greatly outnumbered but not ignored.
Outnumbered in fans, but not in support, the Leopards wasted no time in taking the first game, 30-21. Then in the second game, La Verne played tight and a bit uncomfortable, as they allowed the Pioneers to take the game, 30-19. The match was then tied at one game a piece.
“This game had the full spectrum of what can happen in a volleyball game,” said assistant coach Randi Smart. “It was just awesome to watch.”
Needing to step back into their game, the Leopards came out firing to take the third game 30-25
With things heating up, the Leopards and Pioneers battled relentlessly in an intense fourth game that Hayward was able to take 30-26, forcing a deciding fifth game for the regional championship.
With the Hayward gym feeling like a sauna, the sweat-drenched players from both teams took to the court knowing that only one squad was going home happy with its performance, while the other team would be in tears.
With the Pioneers building up an 8-7 lead, the teams changed sides heading into the final points of the match.
With several decisive team blocks and powerful kills, the Leopards took the momentum of the game. They then went on a run and took home the victory, defeating Hayward, 15-11 in the fifth game.
The small ULV cheering section erupted along with the players as they captured the title.
“It’s great to be where we are right now,” Flora said. “We have the best winning percentage of the remaining teams, but now all the teams are good.”
The Leopards host the quarterfinal match at 7p.m. tomorrow in the Supertents against the College of Mount Saint Joseph’s.
The Supertents seating is limited and a large crowd is expected.
