Fort Wayne, IN. -- What a weekend— deep sand and tough competition, in a climate-controlled facility! What a great opportunity for the Sandy Panthers. After 5 weeks of training indoors on the hard court and a few choice days actually on sand in super cold weather, the team relished these two days of hard nosed play on the sand.
Principia played Stevenson first today, and they are always tough competition. The Panthers earned a "w" at the #1 spot as
Devon Marunde and
Hayden Warner left it all on the court with a 21-16, 26-24 victory. Stevenson held on for what seemed like a dozen match points trying with all of their might to make this match go three games. It was not easy or pretty, but Warner and Marunde refused to give up a game and took it in two!
Principia played D1 Morehead next, and grabbed a "w" at the #4 spot with a beautiful comeback match from
Amanda Roberts and
Victoria Vandiver – this match was a highlight of the weekend. Coach Sprague shared, "These two had some early ball control struggles and made the mental decision to change things, and then their game followed that mental muscle flexing. Strong team play and some pinpoint setting led to a triple threat offense – all key in this victory!"
There was so much good this weekend, and at the top of the list is each set of partners has an honest look at their game after 4 tough opponents, and they KNOW what is next to keep climbing the steps in their 2019 progress. It was also great to watch the entire team assist in the hosting of this inaugural tournament while thoroughly supporting each other – the culture is feeling strong!
