Last Thursday, Nov. 11 at the University Center, the Lady Lions took on the Northwestern State Demons in attempt to break their nine-loss streak. Despite a morale-raising third set win, the team ultimately faced defeat, losing three sets to one. The final scores were 24-26, 25-19, 19-25, and 22-25.
Senior outside hitter Allison Jones led the team with 12 kills, followed by right side Stephanie Mueller with 11. Setter Arianne Cruckshank had a total of 39 assists and five blocks. Senior libero Alex Greer, who is currently placed ninth in school history for digs, ended the night with 18 digs.
When asked about the team’s inescapable losing streak, seniors Allison Jones and Alex Greer explained that the recent series of away games may have had a role in their string of losses.
“It helps when you have a home-court advantage, just because of your fans and your environment, and it’s your practice field,” said Jones. “So I mean the away games—they shouldn’t matter, but there’s definitely a subconscious thing in there.”
Thursday and Saturday’s games were the team’s last for the 2010 season, which included Southland Conference teams Northwestern State and Central Arkansas. For two Lady Lions, this weekend marked their last in college volleyball.
“I would’ve liked to have seen the season go a little differently because last year we had a lot more wins at the tournaments,” said Greer. “But I felt like as a group we meshed well—it felt good.”
Both agreed that this year was certainly a building year for the Lady Lions volleyball team. They also attributed this to their record this season, both for the Southland Conference (1-14) and overall (10-22).
“It was almost a building year because we got a lot of newcomers—people who just came in from high school trying to get acclimated to the whole college scene,” said Jones. “It was a constructive year, it was an introductory year, and the older people were just trying to gel.”
Jones, Greer and junior outside hitter Kalynn Evans were to be honored at Saturday’s game for outstanding performances during their Southeastern volleyball careers. With her last season coming to a close, Greer had a few parting words of advice for her young teammates.
“Play for each other,” said Greer. “Put everything out there for everyone who’s up there with you because your team is what you have. Be with your team and enjoy what you have because it flies by.”
With Thursday’s game wrapped up, the team had one final game against East Division champs Central Arkansas on Saturday at the University Center.
For more information about the team’s 2010 schedule or final stats, go to Southeastern’s athletic home page at www.lionsports.net.