The Daly Dig
Oct 20, 2003 | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 20, 2003
NEW ORLEANS, La. - The Saturday-night volleyball game against DePaul was packed with excitement, come-from-behind wins, and a whole team effort. It seems very natural for our team to be playing in close games and trying to give all the fans and coaches stress-induced premature gray hairs.
But, our team had a different look to it with Lauren Jones-McClain making her first appearance as the team's libero an impressive one. I was unable play in the game because I flew out to Denver for a dental school interview on Saturday morning. It was a tough decision to make because every conference match is extremely important, but with no other possible interview date options, I was left with no choice. Dental school (and medical school) admission is given only after a formal interview with admissions faculty at each university. So with about a month left in my volleyball career, I had to make a decision that will affect where I will be for next four years. This experience could have been unpleasant or negative, but it turned out to be completely the opposite.
I was overwhelmed at the amount of support and understanding that I received from everyone including all my coaches, teammates, their parents, our trainer Wendy and strength coach Gavin. It's this kind of support that builds the foundation of a team. I think that I was more excited and proud to hear the news that our team beat DePaul, than I would have been had I been able to play in the game.
LJ did a great job by stepping up and playing a new position, and the whole team adjusted well to the change. In addition, Anastasia Kenon had an incredible defensive night, setting the school record for four game single match digs with 28 digs. It feels good to come away from a long weekend with two wins against two very tough teams.
With an upcoming trip to Louisville and Cincinnati this weekend, our team needs to prepare for one of our greatest challenges we have faced this season. Playing the top two teams in Conference USA on the road in one weekend is the next obstacle in our quest to reach our goal of being the best team in Conference USA.
Roll Wave,
Karlyn
