Unified and Selfless
The Providence Christian College women's volleyball team wrapped up an impressive week, and started California Pacific (Cal Pac) Conference games with a 4-1 record, the best start in program history. The Sea Beggars won a home match against the Westcliff Warriors in three sets and went on the road to win another match against the La Sierra Golden Eagles in three sets, taking sole possession of second place in the conference standings. The Lady Sea Beggars continue to faithfully commit to doing the vital work necessary to progress, strive for daily improvements, and build upon their individual and collective successes.
On Friday, October 11th, the Beggars faced off against Westcliff at home, defeating them in three sets. In set one, the Lady Sea Beggars started the game locked in and ready to compete as they took a huge lead of 19-11. Even though neither team took a timeout during the set and the Warriors slowly tried to get back into the game, the Providence ladies stayed focused and went on to finish the set 25-20. In set two, the Lady Sea Beggars didn't stop competing, fighting till the end, and battling with a unified and selfless approach. With significant offensive contributions from Jacey Loewen, Jenelle Loewen, Sanaii Cooper, and Elaine Turituri and key blocks from Iris del Valle, the Sea Beggars won the set 25-17. In set three, the Warriors weren't fazed by the previous two set results, never gave up, and took their biggest lead at 17-13. Coach Liz Younglove took a timeout to stop the Warrior momentum and encourage the Beggars that the game was long from over. Providence refocused, took that energy back on the court, and found ways to earn points offensively and defensively. With Tehani Ho'okano's set assists and multiple kills from her teammates, the Beggars went on a 12-4 run to complete the game and win the set 25-21. With their eyes continually focused on the goal of victory set before them, the Lady Sea Beggars achieved the 3-0 set win against the Westcliff Warriors, and carried the momentum forward.
On Saturday, October 12th, the Lady Sea Beggars were on the road against the La Sierra Golden Eagles and won a closely contested match in three sets. The Beggars had a solid start to set one but then found themselves behind and with a 15-21 deficit. After an opportune timeout by coach Younglove, the Sea Beggars were able to regain focus and make a comeback to win the set 25-23. Jacey Loewen and Cooper finished the set with two kills each, and Isabella Taue'etia had two critical service aces to help the team win the set. In set two, the Providence ladies started a bit rough and fell behind by a score of 1-4. Coach Younglove once again took a strategic timeout which allowed her to motivate the team, regain the momentum they had on the previous set, and reclaim the lead. With multiple kills from Jacey Loewen and del Valle and service aces by Turituri and Taue'etia, the team was able to fight and win the set 25-16. In set three, both teams were in a dogfight, scoring back and forth and no team had a lead bigger than two points. The Lady Sea Beggars were down 21-23 at the end of the set, but they refocused, fought till the end, and went on a 4-0 run to win 25-23. The win was a crucial one for the Sea Beggars as they carry on this same energy for upcoming conference play.
Jacey Loewen led Providence's offense, recording a total of 32 kills and a hitting percentage of .446, and earned NCCAA Offensive Player of the week (link here). Del Valle, Jenelle Loewen, Turituri, and Taue'etia all made contributions to help the Sea Beggars to victory in both games. Ho'okano showcased her excellent setting skills, tallying a total of 56 assists, and earned Cal Pac Setter of the week (link here). Jones led the defense with 48 digs, and Turituri contributed with a total of 20 digs herself. Jacey Loewen, del Valle, Jenelle Loewen, Turituri, and Ho'okano stood out with their blocking abilities; each recorded blocks and stifled Westcliff and La Sierra's offense.
Overall, the Lady Sea Beggars played impressive offense and solid defense over the course of the two games, and they achieved their best start in Cal Pac play. The Sea Beggars started their home stand, Thursday, October 17th, against Pacific Union College, followed by UC Merced on Friday, October 18th, and ending on Saturday, October 19th, against Simpson University. All games will begin at 6 p.m. on Clement Court in Pasadena, CA. The Providence women's volleyball team looks to make a statement in the conference games at home, so come out and bring your energy to our home court.