ST. LOUIS, MO.—Tonight the Gold and Blue stepped up to play an exciting semi-final match in the SLIAC All-Conference tournament, but lost 2-3 in a very close match with the number two seat, Greenville College. Throughout the match, especially in the games that extended twenty-five points, Principia proved to be fighters.
In game one, the score started neck-and-neck until Greenville came out with some big blocks and big hits from the middle and right side to take the lead 13-9. Principia had a come-back run with
Tara Edwards serving to tie the game 14-14, and the Gold and Blue took the score to 21-21 before Greenville pulled ahead to win 25-22.
Game two had fans on the edge of their seats with the score of 25-26.
Summer Switzer made an incredible sprawl to save the ball and game, and got it up onto Greenville's side, where Principia then scored a point to end the rally and tied the game, 26-26. After fighting with all the momentum they had, Principia won game two, 29-27. Their momentum from that game rolled over to game three where the Gold and Blue trounced the Greenville Panthers, 25-11. In game three, Principia hitters had sixteen kills out of twenty-five attempts.
In the beginning of game four, Principia got in a six point hole with the score, 1-7, but fought to catch-up. Game four became another two-point game in the end as the score was tied, 25-25, then, 28-28. Greenville ended up taking the game, Principia losing, 28-30. Greenville held onto the momentum in game five, earning the lead, 9-5. They kept the four point spread until the end of the game, Principia losing, 11-15.
Principia ended their season on a proud note. Players and coaches had never felt so much positive energy, refocus, sisterhood, or all out play in a game.
Tara Edwards ended her collegiate career with amazing defense and smart choices in running the offense, ending the game with sixty-four assists. Principia's offense dominated Greenville,
Tess Rountree earning thirty-three kills,
Kiersten Andersen with twenty-one kills, and
Christine Nacewicz with thirteen kills. Nacewicz had zero errors with her blocking and hitting, a huge help for Principia. Everyone who played today also had at least ten digs,
Kiersten Andersen leading defense with twenty-seven digs. Andersen ended the tournament earning the SLIAC All-Tournament Team.
Principia may not have come out on top against Greenville, but they gave their heart and soul and ended their season grateful to have played with everyone on the team. For SLIAC awards,
Savanna Sprague earned Principia's Sportsmanship award,
Kiersten Andersen and
Tara Edwards won Second Team All-Conference,
Tess Rountree won First Team All-Conference, and
Mary Ann Sprague won the Coach of the Year award.
