Elsah, ILL. -- It was so much fun to celebrate our lone senior
Makena Patterson this morning. Here's what was shared by Coach Sprague:
"I remember Makena as a high schooler – coming to some of my youth programs – working to get better. Her love of the indoor game at that point was so filled with joy and passion. She was so receptive to coaching – I could feel her earnest desire to make progress.
Well, that was 6 years ago, and that is still the way I'd describe Makena. Of course, she is all grown up now, but in the best way possible. She is a great student, a great friend, a great team captain….the epitome of silly, and has an individuality that shines with such sparkle, such energy, such sweetness and quirkiness.
Makena has been in charge of a lot of Principia athletics' social media posts, and she took our beach team through NCAA take-over day, and I smile so big whenever I see her work. It makes me feel good and it really makes me feel included in whoever the posts are celebrating. Her work and her life really pull me in. Her earnest soulfulness makes us feel like she is inviting us into her world for a play date, and who wouldn't want that?
When we introduced her to the Beach game 4 years ago, she was smitten from day one. This became her athletic passion, and it has been fun to watch her mature 'Makena approach' towards giving as much as she can to those around her, while following her determination to better herself and any partner she plays with.
We love you Makena, and I personally can't imagine these courts without you next year, but your soulful presence will always be with me….so it's up to me to bring a little more Makena every day in my life."
Principia beat the Missouri Baptist "B" team 4-1, but it was a hard fought victory with 3 of the matches going 3 sets. Principia 6s
Anna Webster and
Kiona Sperr played three matches today. They lost a nail-biter to the men's pair Cole Heinbaugh and Tyler Williams – such fun rallies and hard work! Later our 6s competed against Park University and Ottawa, falling short in both, but showing such grit and grace in the matches. Great defensive and offensive progress were shown!
Later in the day Principia beat Lewis & Clark 5-0 and each team had so many bright spots. Both teams were tired, but Principia kept their integrity of the game intact, and really worked to remember what we have been practicing, and to execute. We are grateful to feel more confidence in our ability to move the needle on our skills and the IQ of our game!
The Sandy Panthers host Greenville College this Friday for a little exhibition scrimmage session and as a warm up for the Small College Championships in two weeks.
