ELSAH, IL – The Panthers Volleyball team hosted Stephens College for their home opener on Tuesday evening. This was the second time the Panthers and Stars played each other in the span of a week as Principia played at Stephens last Tuesday.
Despite the 3-0 loss, the young Panthers played one of their best matches of the season in front of the home crowd. The team showed tenacity and belief in themselves as well as their training. They played well together as a unit and continued to focus on improving one step at a time. The Panthers don't have a lot of depth this year due to injuries, but they are deep in heart and effort.
Junior
Neha Bandrapalli continued her strong play as she led the team in kills (4) and assists (6). Freshman
Alex Kibbe also played well, leading the team in digs (9) while finishing second in kills (3) and assists (4). Freshmen middle hitters
Dana Galinis and
Meghan Mellor were standout players for the Panthers, each finishing with 2 kills and a block.
"I am so proud of all our team's efforts tonight," said Coach Davis afterwards. "Today we had five goals: exceed expectations, play a more technical experienced game, create positive energy for each other, celebrate enthusiastically every point, and focus on the process. We met them all, which is a first this season. I believe this group is on their way to getting results both on the scoreboard as well as the restoration of the great tradition of Principia Volleyball."
Up Next: The Panthers play their first conference matches at Lyon College on Saturday, beginning at 12:00 pm.
Hear more comments from Coach Davis after the match:
