Elsah, ILL. -- Principia played host to six schools at the Sandbox Smash day one. Principia lost their first match against Missouri Baptist won their second match against Ottawa University.
Principia #1s
Hayden Warner and
Sophia Hathaway were 2-0 today with a decisive 21-16, 21-10 win over Missouri Baptist after losing to them 12-21, 15-21 on March 26
th – nice progress! Principia scored 12 more points than when the two met two weeks ago!
In the second match, #4s
Jessica Bayne and
Victoria Vandiver had a beautiful showing in a straight set win over Ottawa. The duo really clicked in their play and communication – winning with strategic shots and plenty of power as well. #5s
Mesa Goebel and
Sarah Ungerleider won a nail-biter. After securing a simple 21-16 game one, Ottawa really clawed their way back into the match. The two were down 19-20 in the second game, and one by one they opened the door…walked right through it and nailed it shut with a 23-21 game two finish. #3s
Nikki Matters and
Amanda Roberts and #2s
Devon Marunde and
Makena Patterson both split sets and ended up losing late in a third game. Each team had some rough spots, and just kept getting up and fighting back. Both Ottawa teams did a nice job of gritty competition and finding sand to grab those "w"s. Our 6s
Anna Webster and
Kiona Sperr did a really nice job – their best play of the season in fact!
Coach Sprague shared, "We have been working hard on our team defense and being more intentional in our movement and timing, and we have invested quite a bit of time tightening up our hitting. I saw some bright glimpses of progress on both accounts, and look forward to playing with more and more confidence each match tomorrow!
