2008 Woodie Awards
Volleyball Team Proves They Belong
Angela Gonzalez
Issue date: 10/21/05 Section: Sports
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Rollins came into the tournament with a 17-7 record and was ranked 9 th in the South Region. Other teams that invaded the Alfond Sports Center for this two day event were Francis Marion (Florence, South Carolina), USC-Aiken (South Carolina), Carson Newman (Tennessee) and Sunshine State Conference rivals, St. Leo and Florida Tech.
On Friday the Tars had a 4 P.M date with Francis Marion. The Patriots came in with a 15-6 record and a #8 regional ranking. The Tars were looking to avenge their defeat by the Patriots earlier this season in the Armstrong Atlantic tournament in Savannah, Georgia.
Early in the first set the Tars would have their money's worth as Patriots came out enthusiastically and ready for action. As Rollins struggled to get a rhythm, the Patriots took the first set 30-24.
In the second set, it was a different story as the Tars and Patriots traded points until the Tars' fortune turned the tide. With the score tied at 24, the Tars grinded out 6 straight hard fought points and took the set 30-24 to tie the match at a set apiece.
In the third set, Rollins used the momentum from the second set to their advantage and relatively dominated the third set despite numerous Patriots effort to start a comeback. In the ensuing fourth set, the Patriots' heart and determination would not allow the Tars to close out the match in 4, and took the fourth set 30-24.
It led to a winner take-all fifth set. In the fifth set with a lot on the line, it was the Tars who were able to show determination and would not let all that was at stake slip away on their stomping grind by taking the set and match, 15-9.
Stephanie Nichols led the Tars offensively with 19 kills. Allison North added 18 kills and Christina Reinders chipped in 13. The Tars outstanding defense was lead by Kim Cline with 21 digs. Julia Caner and Lindsey Crosby added 14 and 13 respectively. As a team, the Tars dug out 83 balls. The Tars improved their 4-1 in 5 set matches.
On Saturday the Tars would once again have a doubleheader. They would start the afternoon against Carson Newman. This game would go a long way in helping the Tars chances for a berth in the NCAA Regionals if they could grind out a victory against the Eagles.