Welcome back Cougars. This week, we focus on Volleyball as they competed in 2 games coming off of their rough 1-3 tournament performance. Will they regain their mojo, or continue to lose games?
Tues, September 20th
The Cougars were at home as they hosted Judson University in some heated conference play.
Set 1
The first set saw the Cougars take a 25-19 victory. They started off the set with a commanding 13-7 lead early, and the Cougars continued to build on this. The Cougars never fell behind in this set, and this is because of their ability to hustle for the ball in the frontcourt as they had 15 kills in this set, 5 of which came from freshman Rory Manion.
Set 2
This set, SXU started off with the same early flare as they lead 13-11 early. The difference here is that Judson was prepared for it this time. From this point, Judson University went on a 14-4 run to close out the game at 25-17 and tie up the set at 1 set apiece.
Set 3
Set 3 was less of a game of runs, and more of a slug fest as both teams went back and forth throughout the whole set. Coming off 2 straight points, SXU was able to get the score to a 1-point margin, but Judson refused to let up as they got 2 clutch kills late to ice the game at 25-23, and go up 2 sets to SXU’s 1.
Set 4
Determined to tie up the game, SXU came out the gates hot as they lead 5-0. Judson quickly tied it up and eventually lead 13-12. SXU counteracted this by going on a 14-4 run that put them up 24-18. With the game highly in their favor, SXU persevered and won the set 25-21, and tied the game at 2 sets apiece.
Set 5
With 1 more set to play to determine a definite winner, SXU wet the bed and lost the set and the game. SXU was leading 5-4, but allowed 8-2 run that put them down 12-7. With all the momentum on their side, Judson University was able to close this one out 15-10.
Thurs, September 22nd
This time, SXU was on the road as they faced Trinity International University.
Set 1
SXU took the first set, 25-21. The game was really in question when SXU gave up some points with some ball handling errors, but SXU came out with the victory. Sophomore Alex Lambros was a key player in the set as she made some clutch kill plays.
Set 2
Trinity University took the 2nd set 25-24. Both teams were grinding it out till the very last play, but a kill later and the game was over. The game is tied at 1 set apiece.
Set 3
Domination was the only way to describe this set as SXU won 25-13. 13 total kills in this set to lead the Cougars to victory. They now lead 2 sets to Trinity’s 1.
Set 4
SXU was able to ice the set winning 25-19, and ice the game at 3 set victories to 1. Lambros was the star of the game as she finished the match with 15 total kills. A career best at that!
The Cougars return to action this Friday (September 23, 2016) in the Davenport University Panther Invitational where they go up against 1 of their 4 total matchups.
Keep it locked here at the Xavierite for a recap of that game, and many exciting others.