It was a good week for the Cougar’s volleyball team as they won both of the matches they competed in, putting their record at a crisp 21-12.
Tuesday, November 3rd
The Cougars were up against Robert Morris University. The last time these two teams met back in September, SXU won the game 3 sets to 0. Would RMU come out ready to avenge that loss, or would SXU make it 2-0 in their series?
Set 1
This was a special game for RMU as it was their team’s senior night, but this wouldn’t stop the Cougars from trying to spoil it with an early 6-1 set lead. All it took was one service error by SXU, and RMU was back in it with a 6-3 run that made the score 9-7.
With both teams finding their grove, SXU and RMU went back and forth until both teams were tied at 20-20. Showing that they work well under the pressure, the Cougars went on a 5-2 run to close out and win the set with a score of 25-22.
Set 2
The second set was definitely competitive as both teams went back and forth till the very last play. The match was so competitive, that the two teams traded kills for eleven straight plays.
With SXU looking poised to win this set being up 23-20, RMU went on a clutch 3-1 run to bring the score to 24-23. The next play was the most important one as the play could sway the whole momentum for any of the teams.
In the end, SXU was calm, cool, and collected as they were able to close out and win the set 25-23. This brings them up two sets to RMU’s none.
Set 3
Ready to close out the matchup, SXU came out hot with an early lead of 23-10. With a score like this, one would think that the game would be over pretty soon right? Wrong. RMU demonstrated their persistence by going on a 7-1 run to bring the game to a closer score of 24-17.
The Cougars were so taken aback by RMU’s sudden comeback to the point in which they had to call a timeout in hopes of killing their momentum. This timeout served its purpose as SXU was able to regain control of the game, and close out RMU with a score 25-17.
Most importantly, SXU was able to win the matchup winning three sets to RMU’s none.
Thursday, November 5
It was a special game for the Cougars as they celebrated their senior night. Their matchup for the night was Cardinal Stritich University, a team in which they met with a month ago and scored a narrow victory of 3 sets to CSU’s 2.
Set 1
CSU came out in set one looking to establish themselves as the ultimate party poopers for SXU and their senior night as they went put up an early lead of 19-14.
Still a close game, SXU continued to fight, but it wasn’t much of fight as they went on a lackluster 3-4 run, making the game 23-17. Not hindered by this at all, CSU came out and closed out this set at 25-17.
Set 2
Set two was much of the same story. While the Cougars were starting out the game with a bit of momentum on their side, CSU quickly put a stop to it and channeled some momentum of their own. CSU went on a 4-0 run early to put them up 10-5.
SXU was still in it though, as they continued to show a fighting spirit down the stretch bringing the score to12-13. But, here comes CSU ready to once again kill SXU’s momentum by going on a 6-0 run to create a comfortable lead for themselves at 19-12.
Fearing another loss, SXU continued to fight, but their efforts were useless in the end as CSU was able to win the set 25-19.
Set 3
Leading in the matchup by two games, SXU knew they had to piece together something in order to avoid a sweep, and continue the match so they came out with a hot 16-12 run, showing that they didn’t want their senior night to end with the shame of being swept.
Once again, CSU was unhinged as they went on a run that lead to the game being close down the stretch at 20-20.
SXU took the lead at 22-20 behind a clutch kill by the talented senior Meghan Falsey, but CSU would not be denied from their party pooping status as they on a 5-0 run to win the set at 25-22, and win the game at three games to SXU’s none.
Despite the heartbreaking loss to CSU, it was still a bitter sweet night for seniors Meghan Falsey and Lauren Young as they were both honored in the senior night ceremony.
Wednesday November 10
The Women’s volleyball team took on University of St. Francis in a thrilling 4 set matchup.
Set 1
The first set was a close one as it saw USFIL and SXU trade points. In the end, it saw SXU taking home the victory in a close set 26-24.
Set 2
The second set wasn’t as closely contested as it saw USILF come out ready to compete as they took this set 25-17 and tie the matchup 1 set to 1.
Set 3
Wanting to put the game in their hands, USILF took the lead to the end of the game. SXU was able to come back and put the game at 23-24. Although they brought it close, SXU couldn’t close as USILF took the set 25-23.
Set 4
At the end of the set, SXU was unable to win the set as they lost 25-16, and lost the game 1 set to USILF’s three.
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Kenneth Washington
Deputy Sports Editor