The Southern University Lady Jaguars women’s volleyball team (4-19, 1-6 Southwestern Athletic Conference) advanced to the SWAC championship after beating the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Lady Lions (7-24, 1-6 SWAC) with a 3-1 finish on Friday.
“This is definitely a reward that we deserved,” said Lady Jags’ head coach Nathaniel Denu.
The Lady Jags have had a hard time keeping a consistent line up because of numerous injuries throughout the season. But they are confident that if they go to the tournament with the same intensity as in the past few games, they can finish as one of the top two teams.
“We need to go into the tournament with the same intensity as we had in this game and do what we have to do to come out on top,” said junior outside hitter Kendra Hill.
During the first game, senior outside hitter Maya Valerie set the pace when she scored Southern’s first point of the game with her kill. Shortly after, senior outsider hitter Tanisha McGill added another kill.
A 10-point tie was broken when Hill scored with two consecutive kills.
With only a few aces throughout entire game, the aggressiveness of the Lady Jags in their attacks would determine the outcome of the game. Even junior setter Mary Young got in on kills, adding four to the Lady Jags’ overall 58.
Despite the Southern’s efforts, game one belonged to UAPB with a 28- 30 finish. The Lady Jags claimed the remaining games 30-27, 30-14 and 30- 22 point over UAPB.
The game not only marked new beginnings for the Lady Jags, but also paid tribute to four senior members of the team who had played their last home game.
Before the game, senior outside hitters Lashawntell Garder, McGill along with senior middle back Portia Thomas and Valerie were escorted by their parents to the center of the court where they received a standing ovation and were presented awards.
“This game was sad because I know my volleyball career is coming to a close and I know I’m going to miss it,” Valerie said.
The SWAC volleyball championship tournament is scheduled for November 13- 15, and will be held at Alabama A&M in Huntsville.
