Women's Volleyball News

Season Review

Starting volleyball camp with just five team members, the 2011 Eagles volleyball was just "points" away from a winning record.  The Eagles went 2-3 in matches with five sets and two of those losses were by only two points.  "We were very close to recording a winning record by just a few points.  We worked hard, determined, and with intensity but sometimes that is not enough to produce victory.  One of our difficulties this year was the ability to close out matches," cited coach Lanny Nihart. "We had several players who unselfishly took on roles they had never played before or were unfamiliar to them.  Not having a setter, established libero and front line was about as uncertain as you can be in the game of volleyball.  I appreciated the good spirit and team play they established even while being pushed hard by the coaching staff."  The Eagles entered North Central Region play as the #3 seed but fell short to the #2 seed Trinity Bible and were then defeated by #4 seed North Central University in the double elimination tournament ending their season at 13-18. 

The Eagles won their first match 7 1/2 hours away in Curtis, Nebraska.  After traveling 20 miles before enduring vehicle problems the team was not sure what the year might bring! Faith hosted the annual Spikefest Tournament whose field included several 2010 NCCAA National Tournament teams.  The Eagles went 2-2 including capturing another fifth game set win over regional rival North Central.  The Eagles then went through a mid season stretch playing several NCCAA Top 10 teams back to back in addition to some NAIA competition.  The stretch included normal aches and pains along with turned ankles but the team pushed forward.  "At one time we had five different rotations and while that provided everyone an opportunity to play it hurt our ability to maintain consistency.  We did put together a 5-1 streak at the end of the season allowing us to catch momentum heading into regional play," noted Nihart. 

The winning streak included victories over Emmaus who had earlier defeated Faith in a five set match and Calvary Bible College a future MCCC conference foe.  The win over the Warriors provided the program with its 606th victory maintaining a 62% winning mark.  Coach Lanny Nihart remarked about the significance of the win and the volleyball program.  "The win is a testimony to the coaches and players who dedicated time and energy to the program since the inaugural 1978-1979 season.  With success at regional and national levels, the true accomplishments reside in the heart and work ethic of individual players and coaches in the Faith volleyball family.  I have learned to appreciate so much the winning tradition of the program and work ethic established through the years by terrific individuals who demonstrate the ability to give God the honor through athletics".   During the season Faith attained the #1 ranking in the nation and North Central Region in digging defense with several players ranked in different categories.  Julia Bray was named to the All-Region team and Allison Dilworth received Libero of The Year Award.  Juniors Rikki Litke and Dana Kincaid received the Scholar Athlete Award.  A highlight for the team was Christian service opportunities including a volleyball clinic for female residents at the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo, Iowa.  The Eagles also ministered at Burton Avenue Baptist Church and combined with the men's and women's soccer teams in service at Nevada Baptist Church. 

Bray Receives 2nd Team All American Selection

Lady Eagles volleyball player Julia Bray was selected as a 2nd Team All American by the NCCAA Volleyball Coaches National Council.  Bray earned the award in only her second season at Faith.  Julia ranked 7th nationally in the NCCAA with nearly 3.2 kills per game, and that mark was good enough for first in the North Central region. Julia was also 3rd regionally in attack percentage.    

Head coach Lanny Nihart acknowledged the value Julia brings to the team.  "Julia had an outstanding year in terms of production and statistical improvement in 2011.  She increased her kills per game and attack percentage with less total attacks.  Julia showed great maturity and patience this year in spite of being doubled and triple blocked due to our opponents knowing she was our go to hitter.  We are excited for Julia and her accomplishments in her first two years and know she is worthy of her awards". 

In addition to earning All-American status Bray was selected to the North Central All-Region team, was the Faith MVP and was as an honorable mention Midwest Christian College Conference selection.

Bray, Dilworth Selected to All Region Team

Two of Faith's women's volleyball players were recognized at the NCCAA II North Central regional tournament this past weekend for their outstanding play during the season. Sophomore Julia Bray and newcomer Allison Dilworth both received All Region honors. It is Bray's second consecutive selection, while Dilworth garnered Libero of the Year recognition in her first season with the team.

Bray, selected as the second ranked player in the region, averaged 3.61 kills per game, which led the region.  Bray had a 27.6% attack which also ranked highly amongst regional players.  "Julia had a remarkable year in hitting considering she was double and triple blocked most of the time.  We are excited that she has been noticed by the coaches in the region as a premier player.  She certainly has led us offensively over the course of the last two years and we are blessed to have her as a person on our team,' noted coach Nihart.  Bray will now become eligible for NCCAA All-American honors. 

Dilworth entered the season as an all around player until coach Nihart approached her in mid season with a potential switch to the Libero position. Allison led the Eagles and the North Central region with a 5.33 digging average. "Allison did a great job of adjusting to what her coaches asked from her.  It was a very unselfish move and certainly made our team a much stronger defensive unit.  In our system the Libero has a lot of responsibility and she performed well all year.  We are thrilled with her being named the Libero of the Year," cited Nihart.

Coach Nihart Earn's his 500th Career Win!

(10/21/11) Belton, MO - Faith head volleyball coach Lanny Nihart earned his 500th career victory this past Friday night as his team defeated Calvary Bible College (KS) 3-1. Lanny has coached the Lady Eagles for the past 27 seasons and the program has seen impressive success under his leadership.

During Lanny's tenure, the Lady Eagles have won five region championships, been to nine national tournaments, and advanced to four national final fours. At one point, Lanny's teams went six straight years with 28 or more wins in each season. Lanny has coached many All Americans, region MVP's and scholar athletes during his time, and he has also served as the NCCAA National Volleyball Chair, and is currently the National Vice Chair. Congratulations to Lanny on this accomplishment!