SXU Athletics
The women’s volleyball team is on the upswing once again.
The Cougars defeated their opponents in the last two games they played.
The first game, which took place at home at 7 p.m. on Nov. 4, was a conference match against rival Robert Morris University. The Cougars had a full sweep, 25-13, 25-13, 25-21.
The night was also special for four of the lady Cougars who are graduating this year; these ladies included Jessica Galotta, Marie Hackert, Dominique Aramburu, and Kelli Shaffer.
The game was a tribute to the senior team members, so the gymnasium was decorated with large posters of the seniors’ names and jersey numbers.
The team members’ families also had the opportunity to give their Cougar flowers and take pictures with them on the court.
Heidi Gregerson, a junior middle blocker and outside hitter made quite the impact on the Cougars’ side of the net. She recorded 10 kills and four blocks. Shaffer, a setter, had 25 assists and 12 digs.
Sophomore Erica Harris, a defensive specialist and setter, posted a team-high 13 digs and two service aces.
Junior right side Meghan Falsey contributed seven total blocks, one of which was a solo, for a career-high.
Hackert, a middle hitter, aided with eight kills and five total blocks.
The team then headed to Elgin, Illinois, on Nov. 6 to play Judson University’s Eagles in a 7 p.m. conference match. This game was the Cougars’ regular season finale.
After losing the first two sets, the Cougars came out clawing, taking the final three sets of the night (19-25, 18-25, 25-23, 25-20, 10-15).
Falsey and Gregerson led their team with 17 kills each. The duo also strongly defended the net, with a combined 13 total blocks, three of which were solos. Shaffer led her team with an impressive 53 assists along with eight kills and 12 digs.
Hackert contributed 12 kills and one block assist. Aramburu, a libero, helped the Cougars to victory with 30 digs.
Galotta trailed with 19 digs. Anna O’Hara, a freshman outside hitter, recorded eight kills.
The Cougars began the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) Volleyball Tournament on Nov. 11.
Alexis Flamburis
Sports Correspondent