Elsah, ILL. -- Playing in their first home match of the season, the lady Panthers volleyball team lit up Hay Fieldhouse with great teamwork, and showed they were willing to play this match one ball at a time, and when things weren't coming together they just kept at it for a few more balls. Greenville gave Prin game one as they struggled with every aspect of their game. The other four games were tough competition, and a lot of it wasn't pretty. Who cares though? For a coach, there's nothing more beautiful than winning in a "blue collar way" – just doing the work until the whistle blows, again and again, and that's what Principia did winning in five games. A great big shout-out for the fans that showed up and stayed with us until the jubilant end. You guys brought the energy and helped us out of a few ruts!
After Greenville's dismal showing in game one, they got it together and game two was a battle until 15-15. Principia had some nice in-a-row service runs backed up by solid defense to pull into the lead and take it 25-20. Game three was back and forth until 12-12 and then Greenville went on a scoring spree behind middle Anna Finch and outside Abby Freeman. The Prin women kept at it, but the hole was too deep and Greenville took game three 25-20. Game four was neck neck all of the way, and Principia came out on the short end 25-27. In game five, the ladies dug deep to get their energy and talk up, taking an 8-6 lead. Greenville kept fighting, but the Prin women seemed calm and collected. Even when the team lost their setter at the end of the match,
Amanda Roberts came on the court serving some great deep balls and helped keep Greenville out of system, and
Noelle Shoemake took over the quarterback job with beautiful movement and sets. Prin grabbed the win with a decisive 15-9 game five.
Sophia Hathaway set the stage for the defense digging some early big Greenville swings, and she ended the match with a team high 29 digs. She also served up two aces (19/19), while putting down 12 kills. It was a well-rounded offense with
Hayden Warner tallying 14 kills,
Noelle Shoemake 7, and
Nikki Matters 6. The defensive efforts were well rounded as well with five digging in the double digits!
Inside the Box Score
- Principia had 13% error compared to Greenville's 20%
- Principia served 94% compared to Greenville's 88%.
Up Next
Sitting at 2-1, the Panthers hit the road Friday to play in a SLIAC tri-match at Iowa Wesleyan.
