The team dedicated the first match to our amazing assistant coach
Heather Fairbanks This was Heather's last day coaching for Principia, and boy has she been a huge impact over the years. Head coach
Mary Ann Sprague recruited Heather as a setter for Principia a few years ago. Heather was a foundational player as Principia College has grown into a respected D3 program. Heather was one of the best setters and defenders in the history of Principia volleyball, and she was a wonderful leader and captain – always holding the bar high and competing hard – getting the best from her teammates. And she had that beautiful balance of off the court fun and silliness and love of her teammates.
Well guess what kind of a coach Heather has been? Pretty much the same as the player just defined. She is a whole souled woman – passionate and gritty, loving and supportive, silly and chill, hard-working and impactful. Coach Sprague shares, "Heather has always been there to bounce my crazy ideas off of, to listen thoughtfully, to offer great insights, and she has always had my back. Heather is a stellar coach. She is a high impact person in everything she does. Heather…you have been a blessing to hundreds of players over the years and to The Principia. We will miss you so much, but we love you even more!
A look at the match:
In the first match against MacMurray, Principia fought to win game three 26-24, but ultimately lost the match. Both teams had 5 service aces and both teams offense had 13% error, but MacMurray had over 20 more kills than the Panthers, led by #3 Kamryn Flesner with 18 kills. The Panthers were successful at keeping Flesner under her hitting average today.
Principia played Westminster next and did their best to force Westminster to scramble, and Prin was successful at holding them well below their .224 season average hitting only .173 against the Panthers. Principia successfully made setter Teresa Becker dig instead of set. She tallied 7.3 digs / set today compared to her season average of 3.09 digs / set. This set the stage for keeping Becker's assists lower than average. She had 7.6 assists / set today versus her season average of 9.98 / set. The Panthers were successful at making one particular Bluejay pass most of the serves – she received 21 serves and then next closest were 11 and 5.
Good to know:
Against MacMurray
Nikki Matters earned a double-double with 10 kills (.113) and 18 digs, with two services aces as well.
Jessica Bayne also scored a double-double with 12 kills (.020) and 11 digs.
Devon Marunde and
Amanda Roberts were gritty in the backrow today picking up 17 and 28 digs respectively.
Mesa Goebel and
Madi Leslie were a part of 2 blocks.
In the match with Westminster Matters and Bayne each had 6 kills and they had 8 and 12 digs respectively.
Sarah Ungerleider had 4 kills hitting a team high .167. Libero Amanda Roberts picked up 21 digs and
Devon Marunde added 12.
