Jacksonville, ILL. -- Day two of the Illinois Volleyball tourney was a day of decisions. After suffering a defeat to a tough Grinnell squad that showed the Panthers what they needed to work on, PC took on hard hitting Olivet. Olivet pounded and picked at Principia, and it was clear they would not be easy to beat "in system" taking game one 25-18. PC then committed to doing whatever they could to force OC out of system, and although PC was down 20-23, they came back one gritty dig at a time and one make-them-move hit at a time taking the game 28-26. Game two was a battle ball after ball. PC created a few leads only to be evened up as Olivet fought hard to take control. 20-20, 22-22, 25-25, and then PC did it again taking game three 27-25. Game four was tight as well until PC fell behind 18-20 and just couldn't right the ship losing 21-25. Game five started out rocky for sure with Olivet up 8-4 at the side switch. PC had not found their rhythm and Olivet was looking like they owned the deciding game. The Panthers found the glue that we have all seen, and really worked as one to go get this win. They were down 8-11, when a play at the net went PC's way and the team celebrated as if to say "this is our game", a bold move at 8-11. But….9-11, 10-11, 13-13, and a 15-13 victory in the deciding set! Way to go women!
As if that match wasn't long and hard enough, Principia had 30 minutes to scarf down a granola bar before taking on Lincoln Christian University. The team made such good mental decisions to not accept limitation as a result of 6 matches in 5 days, and the energy was great and the unity was inspiring as they controlled the match from start to finish and earn the "w" over LCU.
Inside the Box Score
Vs Olivet
- Libero Mia Gill breaks into the record books once again, posting 50 digs putting her at #1 all time for Principia digs in a 5 set match – once again stealing that #1 spot from Tess Rountree.
- Setter Devon Marunde was solid getting her hands on 220 sets, digging 24 OC balls, serving up an Ace, posting 2 block assists, and putting down 4 kills of her own.
- The team also made it into the record books with 154 total digs – a new all-time historical record knocking the 2007 team's 147 digs against Greenville off the podium!
Vs Lincoln Christian University
- The Panthers worked their offense with only 8 errors out of 136 swings (6%).Very nice ladies!
- Noelle Shoemake was dogged in serve receive and defense and picked up 20 digs in the outing.
They said it
- Coach Sprague said, "It is a pleasure to watch these women make good physical and mental decisions for each other. They prove time and again that it's never too late!"
- Sophomore Amanda Roberts said, "The dominion, confidence, and love that we express on this team is unlike anything I have ever seen and I am so grateful to be a part of this wonderful team. This weekend was a true demonstration of how much we love each other and how well we work together."
Up Next
- The Panthers host SLIAC Westminster College (currently #2) Tuesday 9/19 at 7pm in Hay Fieldhouse.
- We could use a packed house to help us out!! See you there.
