Elsah, ILL. -- The Panthers braved the cold and wind to take on NAIA Missouri Baptist. There was a great home crowd – even with the cold and wind. Thank you to all who supported us today!
Principia came away with wins at #4 with
Makena Patterson and
Victoria Vandiver, and at #6 with
Emily Tippetts and
Mia Gill. #4 Patterson and Vandiver won the match by keeping the ball flying and showed nice ball control on their sets. The #6 squad really pulled their game together by reducing their unforced errors and doling out some tough serves to earn their win.
Many of the matches today went to three games, and gave Principia a chance to really fight for it. The top teams #1
Emelie Fredrikson and
Nikki Matters and #2
Cha Cha Fisher and
Devon Marunde played gritty ball, and brought a super defensive work ethic. #3
Sophia Hathaway and
Noelle Shoemake got out of the gate fast winning game one with ease. It was back and forth the rest of the match, but MPU took the win. #5
Amanda Roberts and
Mesa Goebel had a similar match splitting games and just getting beaten to the finish line. Both teams fought hard, but had a few too many errors to protect their leads. #7 Zoe Mahler and
Laura Cluthe were scrappy and determined, and #8
Anna Webster and Victoria Vandiver came oh-so-close in the final match of the night.
The Panthers travel to Montgomery, AL tomorrow to compete on Saturday against the other two Division III schools – Huntingdon College and Stevenson College. After that they will drive to Gulf Shores for training and a few more competitions.
