By: Maliek Watkins
The Saint Leo women’s volleyball games are extremely exciting and entertaining, for all who come and support – whether you enjoy watching sports or enjoy showing school spirit. The Lion’s Pride was most definitely displayed during the women’s second home game, October 1, at 7p.m. in the Marion Bowman Activities Center. Guests including students, faculty, family members and members of the outside community to watch the game and enjoy different snacks, foods and drinks from the concession stand outside the gym.
Though they lost to Eckerd College, 3 sets to 1, the Lions put up a fight and executed their skills throughout the four sets played.
Through the first set of the game, the score remained close, up until the Lions managed to achieve a 6-point lead on the Tritons. However, the Tritons tied the game 16 to 16, and the teams played a very close game with only one-point differences, in addition to tying the scores at 17, 18, 20 and 21. However, the Lions continued to play a good game, managing to score 4 points in a row, which led to them winning the first set with a final score of 25 to 21.
The Lions, both on the court and in the stands, were fired up after winning the first set. Michelle Cuervo, Number 3 (Junior, Outside Hitter) could be seen on the sideline hyping up her team and getting responses from the crowd. There were many other athletic teams in the stands supporting the ladies in their game against the Tritons, especially members of the women’s and men’s basketball teams cheering for the ladies. The crowd was entertained and supportive throughout the entire game as the action was intense and interesting.
The Lions continued playing as well as they did in the first set, during the second set. They maintained a close score, and it was obvious the Cuervo was putting her all into the kills to keep the Lions score close to the Tritons. Although the set was close, the lions eventually allowed the other team to catch up and take over, leading to a loss for the Lions in the second set, 25 to 21.
Supporters in the crowd were very involved during the game, especially when both teams were tied 1 set to 1. After losing the second set, the Lions appeared to be down during the third set as it started off rough. However, Anna Garret, Number 8 (Junior, Setter) was giving her all with the serves. The crowd was definitely rooting for the Lions as they tried to keep up with the Tritons. Unfortunately, the home team got stuck at 15 points, and simple mistakes allowed the Tritons to score 10 more points. Eckerd College then took the lead, 2-1.
While being down during the final set, the Lions continued to put up a great fight against the Tritons. Cuervo continued to kill the ball over the net to keep the team going and prevent the Tritons from scoring. Ashley Quero, Number 7 (Junior, Outside Hitter) was also putting up a fight keeping the ball off the ground. Though the Tritons dominated the fourth set, the Lions continued to give their best until the very end. Arcari also put up a fight in blocking plays from the other team to keep them from scoring. The end of this set had everyone on their toes, as the Lions were now scoring back to back, and right after the Tritons – giving supporters hope that there would be a fifth, and final set. Fabiola Rosado, Number 1 (Senior, Defensive Specialist) could also be seen defending the team by diving and rolling to prevent the ball from getting to the ground. Nevertheless, the Tritons were successful in achieving 25 points, while the Lions were still at 21.
Despite the loss, it is guaranteed that the women will have as much, or more support than this game. Women’s volleyball is a well-attended sport on campus, and is appealing to all classes, and majors and even the faculty. As mentioned before, the crowd was very involved in the game and was rooting for the women the entire game. Students in the crowd were reacting to plays as if they were on the actual court, which proved that they were in to the game and were not there just to be there.
This loss leaves the Saint Leo women’s’ volleyball team at a record of 9 to 4. The Lions will return to play home again on October 4, 2019 at 7 p.m. against the Lynn Fighting Knights. With the support of students, faculty, family and the community, the women’s volleyball team will be more excited to win this upcoming game.
