Raleigh N.C. – The Saint Augustine’s University Lady Falcons volleyball team season came to an end Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 as they lost in the Quarter Final of the CIAA Tournament to Chowan 3-0 (16-25, 16-25, 17-25) at Capel Arena on the Fayetteville State University campus.
Olivia Porter (So./Bakersfield, CA) recorded 11 kills and 17 digs for the Lady Falcons. Juliseea Thomas (Jr./St. Croix, US VI) contributed with 11 assists and 10 digs for the Lady Falcons. The youth for the Lady Falcons also contributed and showed promise as Marley Parker (Fr./ Langley, British Columbia) had nine digs, Mikayla Pettyjohn (Fr./ Jamestown, NC) had five kills and five digs and Danyelle Noland (Fr./ Nashville, NC) posted three total blocks.
The loss ends the Lady Falcons season on a positive note as they finished 9-18 overall but showed that they’re better than they record indicated. They faced top competition in CIAA and knocked CIAA playoff teams such as Winston-Salem State University, Virginia State University and Elizabeth City State University. They pushed the two-time defending CIAA champion Fayetville State University Broncos to five sets in both of the Falcons’ losses.
A great benefit to the Lady Falcons is the returning of every player for next season with the leadership of their captains and growth of their freshmen and young players, starting with their best impact player Olivia Porter who was named to the All-CIAA Tournament Team and also selected to the All-CIAA Volleyball first team. Juliseea Thomas will also be returning as she will be going into her senior season as a captain.
SAU Head Coach Nikki Bynum Bumpass is looking to add to much needed height to the team for next season as she told SID Anthony Jefferies. “ We are returning the entire squad and will be looking to add some height during the early signing period,” Bumpass said. “This group has a great future to look forward to.”
By Issa Omari Glivens
