“That’s All Folks” Lady Jaguars sweeps Grambling on Senior Night

Southern University women’s volleyball team left it all on the court late Wednesday night against the Grambling State Tigers.
Being senior night emotions were at an all time high. At halftime seniors Chinasa Ekweariri and Leilani Lealaimatafao were honored by being escorted by their loved ones while they received a gift from their head coach, Venessa Jacobs. The girls laid their hearts on the line and led the Jaguars to a victory.
Coming home off a two game road trip, The Lady Jaguars came out strong and more aggressive than ever going on a 9-0 point run in the first set . The Lady Jags eventually went on to win that set by 9 points (25-16).
Senior middle blocker, Leilani Lealaimatafao, dominated the second set with 3 straight blocks. Setters Vaterra Calais and Jamie Selleneit combined for 31 assists while former SWAC defensive player of the week, Calais, closed the game with 15 digs.
Grambling State had no way to match up against Southern. With the tallest SWAC player in rotation, 6’4 middle blocker Bayley Neubauer, there was no way they could go wrong. The Lady Tigers had no match up for Neubauer who finished the game with eight kills.
“She has no idea how good she can be,” said head coach Venessa Jacobs.
Closing out the season caused the room to be filled with so many different emotions. It is a time for players to reflect the season and their contributions that they have made to the team. For the past seven years, the Lady Jaguars have never finished with a record of 6-2 in conference play. With Bayley, Malone, and Williams acting as power houses, the Lady Jaguars hope to continue to move forward in the post season and bring home the championship win.
“When we decide that we are going to play, no one can beat us,” said Jacobs.
The post season allows the underdogs to emerge. The upcoming tournament will showcase what the team has been preparing for all season long. The seniors will have a shot to etch their names in history for Southern to capture a championship in more than a decade.
The 2015 women’s volleyaball SWAC Championship tournament will take place at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on November 20-22 at Clifford Seymour Gym and the Moody Intramural Complex.
The double elimination tournament features eight teams of the conference: Southern, Alabama A&M, Alabama State, Prairie View, Jackson State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Texas Southern and Alcorn State.
Jackson State clinched the Eastern Division title on November 10, after scarring Mississippi Valley State 3-1. The Tigers collected their first division title in three seasons.
Texas Southern clinched the West Division title on November 14 after a sweep against Grambling.
Southern University will host the tournament at home ending with their first game against Alabama A&M on 11:00am on November 20.