Box Score Elsah, Ill. -- It was senior night tonight, and the gym was filled with community members there to celebrate
Deanna Scheck,
Molly Moser, and
Sierra Sprague. The crowd was wonderful as usual – loud and proud and always supportive! Thank you all.
Principia came out strong with
Sierra Sprague serving four straight to put Prin up 6-3. Prin kept working the gameplan and patiently waiting for their kaboom ball, and before you knew it Prin was up 15-7! Greenville took a timeout and refocused pulling themselves back into the game. Prin's serve receive struggled a bit allowing Greenville to gain some momentum. Up 23-22, Principia could not finish the job, and Greenville's deep serving gave Greenville the win 26-24.
Game two Principia came out strong again, and was in the lead 9-2. Greenville got hot hitting out of the middle and picked up some needed points. Principia had an uncharacteristic 7 hitting errors in this game, but kept on fighting, and held on for the 25-19 win.
Game three was even from the get-go. Principia put down 12 kills and only 1 error in the offensive effort. The game was tied 5-5, 11-11, 13-13, and then Greenville began to pull away. Principia found themselves down 18-22, and just kept fighting back 19-23, 20-23, 21-23, 23-24, and then Greenville put the ball down for a narrow 25-23 win. It seemed being denied those two close games took the wind out of Principia's sails, as the team couldn't find the vibes in game four. They fought hard, but Greenville kept squeaking out points and widening the point gap. After a 5-5 beginning, Greenville put together as 8-4 run pulling the score in their favor 14-9. Principia fought hard, but couldn't gain much traction. They were chasing a Greenville team that was pushing toward the finish line, and they ended up taking game four and the match.
Principia's offense was beautifully well rounded –
Sophia Hathaway with 11 kills, Molly Moser with 9,
Sierra Sprague with 8,
Emily Tippetts with 7, and
Noelle Shoemake with 5, and ALL of the hitters hit over .200! The offense killed a season high 30%. The Panthers were tight at the net earning 12 blocks, with
Noelle Shoemake earning 4!
Mia Gill and
Sierra Sprague led the defensive efforts with 17 and 15 digs respectively.
CELEBRATING OUR SENIORSThese three seniors are "home-grown". They represent 25 years of Principia Volleyball! Deanna and Sierra started with Panther Power volleyball in 3
rd grade when the college team would go down to St. Louis on Friday nights to teach volleyball to the elementary school. They competed for 2 years of middle school, four years of upper school, and now four years at the college. Molly joined Panther volleyball when she transferred to the Upper School her senior year and has been a Principia pillar ever since!
Deanna Scheck has been a steady and uncompromising presence in this program as a defensive specialist and supportive leader. Last year she earned the team's Most Inspirational award - Deanna is ALWAYS aware of her teammate's needs and willing to help them. There is NOTHING Deanna won't do for a teammate! Deanna is like having another coach in the gym.
Her understanding of the game is great, and she knows exactly how to push her teammates to progress, and is committed to just that! She will come into the gym early or stay late to work with a teammate if they want extra reps. Deanna has been that hard of a worker to better her own game as well. She has developed a killer serve through hours of time and effort to "own it".
Coach Sprague says she often uses Deanna to get a scouting report on the other team, and truly values her ideas about how to match up! Deanna loves the game, the team and the opportunity to put it all on the line with this volleyball family. When her teammates were asked for a few words that describe Deanna – here is what they offered: caring, thoughtful, just, strong, supportive, caring, focused, spiritual, determined, hard-working, persistent, dedicated, loyal, and selfless. Thank you Deanna for all you have given to this program. You have inspired us!
Molly Moser spent most of her career at Principia as a defensive specialist Last spring she willingly stepped up to become our setter, and Molly has had a breakout season as a setter and hitter for us. She, like Deanna, has been willing to do whatever the program needed, and of course with a beautiful smile on her face.
Molly has represented Principia on the All Sportsmanship team, was voted Most Improved player by her teammates two different seasons, and she has earned Academic All-conference honors each year.
On the court Molly is known for her bold and gritty defense. Coach Sprague says, "I can vividly remember countless comebacks that were started by Molly chasing down and laying out to save a ball." Molly's game has grown leaps and bounds over these four years. Molly has more than doubled her offensive production from last year and she has surpassed the coveted defensive milestone with 1057 digs!
The words Molly's teammates came up with to describe her are: joyful, organized, positive, thoughtful, loving, caring, honest, powerful, leader, disciplined, focused, determined, and radiant! Molly's consistent and dogged work ethic will be missed, but we know that she has left an indelible mark on Principia Volleyball. Thank you Molly!
Sierra Sprague has this in common with the other seniors – whatever the program needs, Sierra was willing to do. Sierra has been an outside hitter, a middle blocker, a right side hitter, as well as a primary passer and middle-middle defender. She even had a short stint filling in as a setter!
Sierra has a great feel for the game. She has power and finesse, and knows when to use each. She loves the nuances of the game, and her passion inspires others to grow in their game. Sierra's love of the game and her teammates is so evident. She has "proud parent" moments that literally bring tears to her eyes when others do something well!
Sierra was SLIAC Defensive Player of the Week earlier this season. She represented Principia on the All Sportsmanship team her freshman year, was voted Most Improved player by her teammates her sophomore year, and she has earned Academic All-conference honors each year. Sierra has put down a career 612 kills at this point, and sits at #8 All Time for single match Digs with 32 in a win against MacMurray this season. Sierra is also #10 All Time for Career digs with 1219!
Sierra's teammates use these words to describe her: graceful, tough, fun, enthusiastic, inclusive, selfless, loving, determined, inspiring, encouraging, friendly, warm, inviting, energetic, charismatic and driven! Sierra, you have been a blessing to this program. We are better for all you have given. Thank you!
