by Chrissy Zehrbach
Sports Editor
The only thing holding back the University of La Verne women’s volleyball team is the No. 1 team in the country, Juniata College, who defeated the Leopards in the Emory National Tournament over the weekend in Atlanta, Ga.
The Leopards (19-2) went 3-1 in the tournament, knocking down three other nationally ranked opponents for a second place finish overall and upholding their No. 4 national ranking.
“To beat three top 20 teams in two days is a statement that we belong in the top five in the country,” head coach Don Flora said.
“It was a very productive weekend for our program; It was the perfect time to have an opportunity to beat the No. 1 team in the country.”
ULV was challenged by Simpson College (No. 21) Saturday. The Storm put up a tough fight, taking the Leopards to five games. ULV prevailed in the match, 3-2 (30-19, 30-24, 27-30, 30-32, 15-7).
“We beat them pretty bad the first two games and then we kind of let up,” said Megan Powers, middle blocker.
Earlier that day ULV made a clean sweep over Ohio Northern University (No. 17), 3-0 (30-21, 30-21, 30-28).
ULV also swept the host team, Emory College (No. 14) Friday, 3-0 (31-29, 30-24, 30-27).
The Leopard’s only loss in the weekend, Juniata, came in the first match of the tournament, Friday.
“Juniata just didn’t make mistakes – that’s why they’re No. 1,” Powers said.
ULV split the first two games with the Eagles, but the undefeated Juniata (26-0) gained momentum and took the next two, clinching the win, 3-1 (30-21, 24-30, 30-21, 30-21)
“If we had made a couple big plays at the right times we would have had an opportunity to win that match,” Flora said.
Facing Juniata the first game of the weekend did not, however, throw the Leopards off their game in the matches which followed.
“We improved more as the weekend progressed,” said Amy Kratochvil, outside hitter. “If we were to have played them later we would have done better. We didn’t play our best against them.”
The level of play the Leopards faced helped them prove themselves as a team.
“Competition was pretty tough if you compare it to conference,” Kratochvil said. “The teams we beat, we beat pretty handily. Where we stand nationally fits pretty well.”
The Leopards retain their No. 4 ranking after the weekend of national competition.
“It was a good test for us,” said Amy Smith, outside hitter. “It was a lot tougher than we’re used to. Walking away we know we’re a good team.”
The fast-paced competition is something the Leopards will see once they get to playoffs in mid November. The tournament was a good preview of the competition, but ULV must focus on finishing conference first.
Finishing conference undefeated is Flora’s goal for the team.
For their outstanding performances in the Emory Tournament, Smith and middle blocker Tricia Schary were named to Emory’s All-Tournament team .
“It’s exciting, but I know it has a lot more to do with our team and their level of play,” Smith said attributing her success to the strength of the team as a whole.
Setter Amanda Thomas was also honored this week for her performance in the tournament as well as two home matches prior. Thomas was named SCIAC Female Athlete of the Week. She joins two of her teammates in this elite honor for the season.
Upon returning home, ULV swept Cal Tech Tuesday night 3-0 (30-26, 30-13, 30-16) in Pasadena, bringing their undefeated conference record to 7-0.
“It’s always important to play well and try to play La Verne volleyball: play crisp and execute our offense. It’s a good night to train,” Flora said.
ULV plays Occidental College at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Supertents. The match marks the start of the second round of SCIAC competition. The last contest between the two teams ended in a 3-0 sweep for ULV.
