Mount Pleasant, IA. -- The lady Panthers took the court against host Iowa Wesleyan, and earned a 3-1 victory. It was 14-14 before Principia created a little breathing room. Nothing came easy, but Principia knew their game plan and just kept at it ball after ball until game one was theirs 25-20. Game two was a battle with both teams taking turns grabbing spurts of momentum, but neither was able to finish what they started until Principia outlasted IWU for a 29-27 win. Game three was IWU's sweet spot. They defended with pride, executed their offense and made it super tough for the Panthers, winning 25-19. Game four showed the big, beautiful heart and soul of the Panthers. Principia was down 6-10, 8-15, and just kept at it putting some small but important things together on their own side of the court. The team then did some nice things to create chaos on IWU's side. All of a sudden the Prin women were earning a couple of points at a time and narrowing the margin. 14-19, 18-20, 20-20, 22-22, and a winning score of 25-21!
A Look at the Box Score:
Principia served 97%, not giving away points and willing to fight for them.
Jessica Bayne and
Amanda Roberts each served up three aces.
The Principia offense showed depth and discipline as they kept their errors at 11%, and tallied 45 kills.
Hayden Warner led the way with 13 kills, but five other hitters each contributed 6-7 kills toward the victory.
The team took on Fontbonne University next, who came out swinging hard, covering their court with pride and with a big blocking presence. It took a little while to figure out how to compete with Fontbonne, and with 16% error in the offense, Prin came up on the short end of a 21-25 game one. The Panthers reigned in their errors and created some chaos on the Fontbonne side enroute to a 25-16 game two. What a crazy sport we have chosen! Game three was a battle to see who could execute their plan with the fewest silly mistakes. Fontbonne earned it, and even though Prin kept at it, Fontbonne was never worried as they took it 25-22. Game four was all about the out of system game, and Principia won it 25-18. Alright game 5 - let's do this - that was the mentality that showed on the lady Panther's faces. The women played this fifth game perfectly, and
Sophia Hathaway's setting decisions were spot on. Principia was poised on defense, and grew bolder to the end on offense taking the match with a 15-12 victory.
A Look at the Box Score:
The Panthers served 94% delivering 8 aces, with four players contributing to those aces!
Mia Gill was tough in the back row picking up 39 digs and passing nails!
Noelle Shoemake led the offensive attack with 16 kills and only 1 error out of 41 swings hitting .366. In fact Noelle only had 2 errors on the day of 62 swings!
They said it:
Coach Sprague had this to say, "This team is special. They are willing to stick to the mess, and to create order out of chaos. I love the way they work together and have each other's back."
Up Next:
Principia is 3-0 in conference, and travels to St Louis on Tuesday to take on Webster University. We would love to have your support!
