Box Score Elsah, ILL. -- The Panthers completed the season sweep over Fontbonne with a hard fought five game "w", moving to 11-8 on the season. Very little came easy tonight. The team struggled with serving errors, hitting errors, and had defensive and ball control lapses. But, that did not stop them. After a narrow 25-21 game one win, the Panthers lost the next two games with Fontbonne clearly in the driver's seat 17-25 and 19-25. However this Panther team is one we have learned to NEVER count out, and tonight was no exception. Freshman setter
Devon Marunde was the core of the energy tonight. She fought hard, and celebrated with every good thing the team put together.
Sophia Hathaway was the glue tonight. She refused to let the team mull over what wasn't working, and kept the group on task.
Noelle Shoemake had several key courageous moments that really helped spark the team.
Makena Patterson came off of the bench in game 4 to smack a few kills down at a key time.
Emma Herman served 100% and those "in-a-row" serves gave the Panthers something to build on.
Sara Stephenson was a focused force at the net – blocking and playing heads up ball when crazy things happened. The bench was amazing – so positive and supporting, and the home crowd was wonderful too. They helped the team find their energy and confidence, for sure! This win belongs to everyone! Those are the sweetest victories.
Sophia and Emily led the offensive attack with 21 and 17 kills respectively. Sophia added a match high 27 digs to lead the Panther defense as well.
Devon Marunde dished out 45 assists, and posted 4 blocks and 19 digs.
Emma Herman was the lone member of the 100% serving club tonight with two aces. Makena and Sara hit .500 and .400 on the evening.
Next up the Panthers travel to Webster on Saturday to play Webster at 10am and Iowa Wesleyan at noon.
