volleyball
Season Review
In spite of injuries, sickness, 17 different starting rotations, early morning practices and stolen cash cards the Lady Eagles had a very successful 2009 campaign! The Eagles compiled a 19-19 overall record (19-8 against NCCAA teams) including 11 NCAA Division III or NAIA opponents. The Eagles reached the North Central Regional championship for the 4th consecutive year with an undefeated regional record of 4-0.
The team began the season participating in the Mt. Mercy Invitational, a NAIA tournament, and played with a competitive spirit representing themselves well. The first win of the season came at Union College in an exciting 5 set win. Next, Faith participated in the annual Spikefest Tournament, making it to the playoff round with only one loss to nationally ranked Maranatha Baptist in pool play. The Eagles put together a 9-2 winning streak in the final part of the regular season which included a sweep of North Central Region rivals Providence and North Central University to gain the #1 seed for the second consecutive year.
The players showed themselves resilient during regional play by making it into the championship. The team finished strong after a disappointing loss in qualifying rounds to eventual champion Providence. Faith defeated North Central for the third time this year to give themselves the opportunity to make the national tournament field. They demonstrated a lot of heart and effort but fell short in the championship match. “ Erin and I were proud to coach this team. With 6 new players to our system we knew they would be competitive, we just did not know how quickly we could put the team together. They never quit as demonstrated by a 29-27 win against Providence when we were down 24-19. All ten players played a vital role in the success of our team and we appreciated the spirit each member added. The seniors did a great job of assisting the younger players to learn our system and expectations of winning and how to conduct themselves on and off the court. Our co-captains Crystal and Megan did a terrific job of being leaders and have kept our program on a winning level. Putting together a winning year is vital to our program and demonstrates the testimony of the team,” notes coach Nihart.
The Lady Eagles also spent time in ministry during the season, as the team participated along with the women’s and men’s soccer team in local church ministry at Maranatha Baptist Church in Grimes, Iowa. The service involved special numbers, offertories and testimonies.
- Coach Lanny Nihart
Lady Eagles Fall in Regional Championship
(10/31/09) Ellendale, ND - For the fourth season in a row the Faith volleyball tasted the opportunity to play in the North Central Regional championship match. Faith defeated Trinity Bible College in first round play of the double elimination tournament, but then lost to eventual champion Providence College in their second round game. Displaying resiliency Faith defeated North Central University for the third time this season in the semi-finals Saturday morning, then met up with Providence in the championship. "Our ladies did a great job on Saturday morning defeating NCU 3-0 after a difficult loss on Friday night," noted coach Nihart. "Our seniors have been in every situation possible over the course of the last 4 years and I am extremely proud of their efforts and production to get us the opportunity to win the championship, they are winners."
The Eagles, forced to play back into the championship after their loss to Providence Friday night, met rival North Central University Saturday morning. Faith had defeated the Ram's twice during the season. Faith rolled to a 20-7 lead behind strong defense and dominating net play. Senior Lindsie Poorman who had 14 kills and a .414% hitting mark led the way in the first set for a 25-13 win. Faith continued their prowess on both the offensive and defensive side for 25-15 and 25-22 final set wins and the match. "We played great during that entire match. It was great for us coaches to just watch our ladies execute. It was a total team effort and really gave us confidence going into the championship match, we wanted another opportunity to play Providence," noted Nihart.
Riding the 3 wins against NCU, Faith looked to avenge their loss to Providence and claim the championship. The Eagles captured set one 27-25 by digging the taller Providence team in the right spots. Faith led 23-22 when Providence made substitutions. The Freemen were able to get a side out after a ball hit the net and fell on the Eagles side knotting the score at 23. In dramatic fashion Providence gained the set win at 25-23. Faith then lost energy and momentum going into the 3rd and 4th sets losing 25-14 and 25-15 and the opportunity to go to the National Tournament in Florida. The Eagles were led by freshmen middle hitter Megan Standley with 7 kills and senior Poorman adding 9. "I know our ladies are disappointed in the loss but we had a tremendous season fighting through injuries, illness and other setbacks. Megan (Standley) came back from a foot injury and was lights out during the past two weeks, just a representation of how hard these ladies worked. Coach Erin (Davis) and I are very proud of their testimony and work ethic. In our minds they are champions," said Nihart.
Seniors Lindsie Poorman and Crystal Kane were selected as 1st team all region players. Senior Megan Turbett was selected as the North Central Region co-winner Libero of the Year. Each of the players will be eligible for NCCAA All-American status. Freshman Katherine Michalski was a 2nd Team All Region Selection.