The Lady Bulldog volleyball team showed incredible promise for the upcoming season on Wednesday, Sept. 4, as they took on Lane College in the Fred Delay Gymnasium in a 3-0 win.
The Lady Bulldogs set the tone of the match early with a powerful kill from junior hitter, Meghan Delaney, around the right side. Union showed their resiliency by picking up nearly all tipped blocks and short hits. The first set ended with a beautiful short serve from junior defensive specialist, Anna Claire Winchester, that Lane could not return.
The second set got off to a slower start for Union, but a late service run for sophomore outside hitter, Haley Ramsey, separated the Lady Bulldogs from the Lady Dragons. Strong serving helped Union outlast the second set, whereas inconsistent serves and rotational errors for Lane prevented them from battling back. Union ended the second set with a setter slip from sophomore setter, Claressa Kohler, that could not be returned.
Service errors early in the third set kept the Lady Bulldogs from a strong start. Midway through the set, Lane took the lead at 14-13. A short rally from Lane gave them a 20-19 lead entering the last five points of the match. Two big kills from Union’s offense provided the late game momentum needed to secure the win. A net violation on Lane ended the third set, and match, with a Union victory.
The Lady Bulldogs’ coach, Darrin McClure, is excited about this season because of the ability this team possesses.
“This team has some of the best athletes I’ve gotten the opportunity to coach,” said McClure. “I think what I’m most excited about is that we have the roster depth to not play our best game and still manage to pull out a win. Those last two sets were not our best, but we still were able to get the win, which shows the talent on this team.”
Meghan Delaney, junior nursing major and outside hitter, also stated that she was excited about the potential of this team and their upcoming season.
“This game was really great because it allowed us to work out all the nerves and get a match under our belt before our season officially starts this weekend,” Delaney said. “It showed us not only what we still need to work on, but also how much potential we have. I am excited for what this season holds for us!”
The Lady Bulldogs kick off their season this Friday, Sept. 6, versus Kentucky Wesleyan College at the Christian Brothers Classic in Memphis, Tennessee.
Photo courtesy of Neil Cole