The Lady Lions conquered the court in the first home game of the season versus Southern University. 

The victory took place Tuesday, Sept. 2, with the Lady Lions taking every set, 25-4, 25-23, 25-9.

The Lady Lions dominated right off the bat as they stood on a 13-1 lead at their peak. The opposing team stepped up their game in the second set, each team inching ahead in a suspenseful tug-o-war. By the end of the set, the Lady Lions had another win under their belt. Southeastern gained and maintained momentum in the final set, once again brutalizing the opponent. 

“We’re really pleased with game one and three,” said Head Coach Jim Smoot after the game. “I thought that the first game score really wasn’t indicative of how Southern can play. Then they came back and played stronger, and we kind of had a little letdown. But I was very pleased with how we picked it back up in the third game.”

Sophomore outside hitter Parrie Hartley led the team with 16 kills and 13 digs. Smoot also praised freshman middle blocker/right side Sarah Friedman, senior outside hitter Elizabeth Ramee and junior outside hitter Tiffany Thomas for their performance during the game. 

“I thought I just did whatever my team needed me to do,” said Hartley. “I was there for my team, and if they needed me, then I was doing my job.”

Hartley believes the game is more than just a win; it’s also a morale booster and a foundation for the season to come. 

“I thought we all played really well,” said Hartley. “It’s just building up our confidence. Coming back from last season, we had a rough season, and I thought we did a lot better.”

Smoot hoped the team’s struggle in the second set will teach the team not to let their guard down. 

“I think we can learn from the letdown the second game,” said Smoot. “That’s something that will come back and bite you in league if you do that. Hopefully we’re going to learn from that and not let that happen anymore.”

The Lady Lions will be traveling to Virginia for a tournament from Friday, Sept. 5 until Saturday, Sept. 6.

“I’m really excited because we’re playing teams that we’ve never heard of,” said Hartley. “I think we’ll do really good, and it’ll be a good competition. Lion Up!”

For more information on the Lady Lions’ upcoming games, visit Lionsports.net.  

The Lion’s Roar / Melanie Mann
Sophomore middle blocker Rachael Bunn returns the ball in the Lady Lions home opener against the Southern University Jaguars.  The Lady Lions made quick work of their opponents, sweeping the Jaguars 25-4, 25-23, 25-9. Southeastern volleyball returns home next Tuesday, Sept. 16 against Southern University.