Senior Setter Samantha Hovey Setting up the Play SXU Athletics
Saint Xavier (SXU) was not able to get it done this past Saturday as they faced off against the No. 12 ranked Viterbo University (Wis.). In their first CCAC matchup of the season, The Cougars went 1-3 in the sets, ultimately losing the game with that being their third straight loss.
They last won a match back on August 23 against Georgetown College (Ky.) in the St. Francis (Ill.) Big Dogs Classic. Since then, the Cougars have found themselves in a tough losing streak.
During the match, Viterbo recorded more kills, assists, aces, points, blocks, and less errors than SXU. They even had a better hitting percentage with a .275 attack percentage, while SXU was only able to record .142 percent.
Senior setter Samantha Hovey still shined in the loss as she posted her third consecutive double-double, finishing the match with two aces, a block, eight digs, 10 kills and a game high 19 assists. Hovey leads SXU this season in kills with 39 and assists with 90.
We also saw junior outside hitter Kaylee Born go for eight kills which is her season high, and she recorded a block.
Senior middle blocker Nicole Grochola had a great match as she finished with six kills on a .600 attack percentage (6-0-10) (Kills-Errors-Attempts). She also recorded a block to her statline.
Sophomore libero Taylor Vann led the team in digs, recording a season-best and team-high 13 digs.
Fifth-year senior libero Avanna Martinez was the second best leader in digs, recording up to 12 digs, four assists and three aces which is a team best. This is Martinez’s fifth straight match with 10 or more digs.
Senior outside hitter Tara Glynn finished the game with three kills, an assist, and a dig. Being in her senior year, Glynn spoke about what she truly wants to accomplish in her senior season as a Cougar.
“One thing that not only I want to accomplish as a senior but the whole team as well is to receive a bid to nationals! From the four years I have been a part of the team, we have had the opportunity to receive a bid to nationals two times. With that said, my goal is to work really hard in order to make that happen for not only myself, but everyone involved on the team.”
Junior setter Abbey Opilka finished the match with a team second-best 11 assists. She also added four digs and an ace to her statline.
The team’s defensive specialists played well and were one of the top leaders in different stat categories. Senior defensive specialist Ariel Hoskin completed the match with seven digs, the fourth best on her team.
Graduate student defensive specialist/setter Katie DeHaan had a solid game with six digs and two assists.
With tough times like right now where the Cougars have lost three straight matches and started the conference rankings at 0-1. It’s very important for the girls to have a support system and keep each other motivated.
I’ve been given the chance to speak with sophomore middle blocker Eva Wintersteen on how she motivates her teammates and keeps the spirits up.
“One way I motivate my teammates by keeping the energy fun and positive, reminding them to enjoy every moment together on and off the court.”
The Cougars plan to snap this losing streak when they head over to Whiting, Ind and play against the Crimson Wave of Calumet College of St. Joseph (Ind.). It’ll be another CCAC matchup and action will commence on Tuesday, September 9 at 7:00 pm.