Crowd revs team spirit
Senior outside hitter Katie Politte splits the defense of Northwest Missouri during the teams match on Sept. 27, 2014. The Lions fell in the contest 3-1 even though Politte had 11 kills.
The Lions were welcomed home by a raucous crowd as they suited up to take on conference opponent Missouri Western State in last weekend’s home opener.
“After several weeks on the road, staying in hotels and buses breaking down, I think it’s important that these guys play at home,” said head coach John Napier.
Junior middle hitter Callie Whetstone and sophomore middle hitter Monica White have both played in front of some amped Southern fans, but Friday’s fans were electric.
“Our crowd was amazing,” said Whetstone. “Our crowd provides such a great support system, and we love to feed off their energy. We’re lucky and appreciative to have such dedicated fans.”
“It’s always fun having a big crowd like that,” said White. “It gets us pumped up and excited to play.”
As great as Friday’s crowd was, the crowd couldn’t help propel the Lions over Missouri Western as the Griffons swept the Lions in the match.
Whetstone led the charge for the Lions on offense, tallying 11 kills and hitting .625 in the match. Abby Finder had 27 assists and five digs, Katie Politte contributed nine kills and six digs, and Krishna Merriman had seven kills and six digs.
The Lions were in action the following day against Northwest Missouri State. With the home opener behind them, the Lions got off to a hot start against the Bearcats, winning the first set convincingly. The second set was a cat fight as both teams battled back and forth. The Lions had a late lead but would eventually give it away and lose the second set. Tied 1-1, the Lions couldn’t establish a rhythm in the remaining sets, and would drop the match 3-1. For the Lions, Krishna Merriman led with 15 kills, Whetstone recorded a double-double with 12 kills and 11 blocks, and Abby Finder dished out 36 assists.
The Lions dropped both weekend matches at home and stand at 4-10 on the season. Though the Lions came away winless this weekend, their spirits remain through the roof.
“Although getting wins feels great, we know that our hard work is paying off,” Whetstone said. “As a team we decided to outwork every team we face. I’m proud of my ladies. I believe we are still taking huge strides and that this program will continue to get stronger each day.”
The Lions are back in action today against another conference opponent in Emporia State.
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