Leopards' hope for playoffs slim
Campus Times
November 6, 1998
by Ryan Allen
Arts & Entertainment Editor
With a 11-15 overall record, the University of La Verne women's volleyball
team's chances of a postseason berth as the second place team in SCIAC are
slim.
ULV went 1-1 this week with a loss to UC San Diego, the No. 4 team in
the country according to the American Volleyball Coaches Association, on
Saturday and a victory on Tuesday over fellow SCIAC competitor, the University
of Redlands, 15-13, 15-7, 15-7.
"We didn't play to our potential down there [in San Diego], and
if we played like we did against Cal Lu, we could have beaten them,"
said sophomore right side hitter Amy Brummel. "We didn't have our heart
into that game."
The Leopards may not have played with a lot of heart in San Diego, and
they may not make it to the playoffs, but ULV definitely played like a playoff
team, as it swept Redlands in three games Tuesday.
"We had a good practice for Monday -- good energy, had fun with
it, and that transpired in today, just coming out and playing free,"
said head coach Don Flora.
Even though La Verne struggled a bit in the first game, it picked up
its tempo and played with a lot of energy.
The second game was close in the beginning and remained a tie at 7-7,
until junior setter Michelle Louie, who finished the match with three aces
and 13 assists, served 12 points, including eight straight points to finish
the game.
On top of the tough serving, La Verne played outstanding defense and
tightened up its transition game as well.
Senior captain outside hitter Lynsey Best, a big contributor to the
La Verne defense with 198 digs for the season, led the Redlands match with
nine digs.
"We came out really strong and our practices have been really fun,
a lot more like game-oriented," said Best, "and so I think we
have been more relaxed lately."
In the third game, the Leopards took an early 7-2 lead. Redlands struggled
back and came within two, 7-5, but La Verne was too much for the Bulldogs,
as it cruised to a 15-7 final game victory.
The Leopards are currently in second place in SCIAC with a 8-3 record.
La Verne trails the Cal Lutheran Regals, who are undefeated in conference
at 11-0.
La Verne takes on Whittier tonight at 7:30 in the Supertents. This is
the Leopards' last home game of the season-unless La Verne can make the
playoffs and host a game in the Supertents.
