Weekly Athletic Update for September 9-14, 2002
Volleyball
Tonight the success of All-Star Volleyball lies solely on the experience of the upperclassmen as mental fortitude and persistence are needed to prevail. The All-Stars currently sit at a 7-7 mark and in order to make that much needed leap over a .500 winning percentage, experience is what Coach Kearns will need to depend on.
“This being my first year at Converse, it’s easy to say that because of the changes these unwelcomed losses are to be expected. But, the girls know my expectations and I believe after this past weekend the juniors and seniors realize that it is time to step it up.”
Step it up is exactly what the All-Stars are intent on doing. After suffering losses to LMU last Wednesday in 5 games, then watching their weekend drop 4 straight, a win tonight in three will be a much needed boost to rejuvenate this All-Star team.
Coach Kearns will look to her junior setter, Gretchen Williams (Camden,SC) to become more of an offensive weapon and lead her hitters to become more consistent on attacking. Williams this past week in 18 games averaged 6.4 assists per game. With the loss to Lincoln Memorial University, Willams, in 5 games averaged just 6pg and had 11 digs and 3 kills.. Junior outside hitter, Trish Hess (Lexington, SC) was just one of two players who tallied their first double-double of the season. Hess led all diggers with 21, a season high and also contributed 12 kills and 2 blocks in the loss. Junior middle blocker, Letia Felder (Cayce, SC) also garnered her first double-double of the year with 11 kills and 11 blocks, the highest of any All-Star this season. Senior defensive specialist, Lauren Bowers (Camden, SC) pitched in 15 digs.
From that loss, Converse held their heads high as they traveled September 13th & 14th to Jefferson City, TN to take part in the Carson-Newman Tournament. Friday saw the All-Stars drop two disappointing losses to Nova Southeastern(FL) and the University of North Carolina-Pembroke. In the loss to NSEU, sparks of greatness emerged and showed the true promise of what the All-Stars could do. Felder hit a season high .500 hitting percentage(5k-1e-8a) and had 11 blocks(3.7pg). Hess led all hitters with 8 kills and had 7 digs. In the second match vs. UNC-P CC lost in four with scores of 30-32, 30-24, 29-31, and 27-30. Williams led her team in assists(6.8pg), 6 aces, a .440 hitting percentage(8k-1e-16a), 8 digs and 2 blocks. Other notables were senior middle blocker Rebekah Gillespie (Greenwood, SC) who tallied 6 kills and 10 blocks. Freshman right side attacker Leslie Shain (Joliet, IL) had a season high11 kills, 5 blocks and 1 ace. Junior defensive specialist, Katie Boyd (Chesnee, SC) recorded 17 digs, the second highest of any All-Star this season.
On Saturday, LMU gave Converse their 6th loss of the season as they fell in 3 straight. Boyd came alive on the defensive recording 16 digs, falling just one short of he previous high. Felder hit .462 (8k-2e-13a) and combined with Hess (8k-1e-33a) & Shain (8k-5e-41a) for 24 kills. In the Carson-Newman match, the Eagles held CC to a season low .080 hitting percentage (30k-21e-122a). Williams had 17 assists, 5 kills, 1 ace, 2 digs and 4 blocks. Bowers led the All-Stars with 10 digs while Felder found her nitch and hit .330(9k-2e-21a) and had 6 blocks.
Look for the All-Star Volleyball team the rest of this week as they take on Columbia College-Thursday @7PM, and North Greenville- Saturday @ 11:30AM.
LANDER SENATORS QUICK FACTS
Head coached by Salley Palmer ~ 1st year
Overall record 2-2
Players to watch for: Julie Huber 3.0 kpg, .71 bpg, .272%
Summer Matthews 1.18 bpg