I can dig it: Volleyball is set for the season

By Connor Laubenstein /// Staff writer

Lewis & Clark’s most recent women’s volleyball match on Sept. 10 showed an unparalleled drive to win, character and gusto.

The Pioneers won three of four sets to take the match over Northwest Christian University.  This victory propelled the Pios to a 6-3 record on the young season.  The recent win caps a four-game winning streak that the Pios hope to improve on during the Sept. 19 collision with Northwest Conference foe, Willamette.

LC’s women’s volleyball team has undergone some significant changes for the 2014 season.  The team added first-years  Ellery Creighton and Kelsey Payne.  Additionally, the Pios added two transfers to their lineup: Emily Drake (’16), and Bridgette Henningsen (’17).

Along with these new players, the team welcomes back a strong group of upperclassmen. Head coach Stacie Matz’s expectations are high.

“These are some of the hardest working and motivated girls I have coached. They are committed to being great teammates and have set high standards for how they want to represent Lewis & Clark Volleyball. I am really excited about this group and what this season has to offer,” Matz said.

So far, the Pios have put up impressive numbers against strong competition. Playing 25-point sets, the Pio offense has registered an average of 10.97 kills per set, led by Kat Milan (’15) and Isabel Valentine (’15), as well as Ali Carleton (’16). On the defensive side of the net, Alexe Navarro (’17) has tallied 197 digs, at 5.97 digs per set.

A demanding set of coaches with an inspired and determined set of players have gotten the women’s volleyball team off to a successful start.  The squad looks to extend their winning streak at their conference home opener in Pamplin Sports Center on Friday, Sept. 19 at 7:00 p.m.