By Kathryn Moore
Staff Writer
The Lady Bulldogs volleyball team has seen its share of ups and downs this season. After starting the season with an overall record of 4-21 and a conference record of 1-11, team morale and confidence is low. However, head coach Christine Mooberry is optimistic about the team’s future.
The team defeated the University of West Alabama Tigers at home Oct. 13 to claim its first Gulf South Conference win of the season. Mooberry said the win was an important one because it lifted the players’ spirits.
“One of the main things for us was believing we could win a match,” Mooberry said. “I think when you’re having a tough season like this, the mental aspect of the game is hard to overcome.”
Over fall break, the team traveled to New Orleans to compete in the Loyola University Tournament Oct. 19-20. Although the Lady Bulldogs did not fare well in the tournament, losing all four of their matches, many of the players had the opportunity to spend time with families who traveled to the city with the team.
The Lady Bulldogs also are doing their part to participate in local service projects, such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The team sponsored a Pink Out Cancer Awareness Night Oct. 23 at its home game against the University of North Alabama. All proceeds went to the Kirkland’s Cancer Center in Jackson.
The team also has transcended rivalries in the name of philanthropy and service. The Lady Bulldogs partnered with the women’s volleyball team at the University of West Florida Oct. 27 to participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K in Pensacola, Fla. Union lost a match to the West Florida team 1-3 later that afternoon.
“Of course we want to beat them on the court, but we can come together for a common cause,” Mooberry said. “It’s another way to reflect Christ.”
The Lady Bulldogs will play the last home game of the season at 6 p.m. Friday against the University of Arkansas-Monticello, and the team will begin preparation for the National Christian Colleges Athletic Association Division I championships to be held at the end of November in Kissimmee, Fla.
