The end of the season for the volleyball team was fitting for the up-and-down type of season they had — the season came to an end after the Lady Falcons lost to the Lady Bears of Shaw University in three sets. In their previous game, the Lady Falcons kept their tournament hopes alive after beating Livingston College 3-2 in five sets.
But when pairings for the CIAA Tournament were released on Nov. 16, the Lady Falcons were left out. The tournament featured the top four in standings from the Southern and Northern Divisions of the CIAA and, although the Lady Falcons tied for fourth place in the Southern Division with Livingston College, Livingston got the tournament berth because they owned the tie breaker due to a victory against Saint Augustine’s in October.
The Lady Falcons finished the season 12-13 overall – better than last year’s 9-18 mark but not good enough for the team to celebrate. “We had a successful season, but could have done better,” said Juliseea Thomas. “Regardless, I am proud of my team.”
Thomas, a senior from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, is one of the trio of Lady Falcons who earned All-CIAA honors for this season. Also included in that trio is Olivia Porter, a junior from Bakersfield, CA, and Zoey Isom, a true freshman from Phoenix, AZ. Porter and Isom were inducted to All CIAA 1st team while Thomas garnered honors for All CIAA 2nd team.
Thomas also was honored senior night. “I enjoyed every part of senior night and I am very thankful for my teammates and coaches doing a great job,” she said. “It will be a moment I will never forget and I will truly miss playing with this group of girls.”
Thomas is only one of two departing players, which gave her hope for the team’s future prospects.
“I am much honored to be selected to the All CIAA team and congratulate Olivia and Zoey on their selections,” she said. “We shall expect bigger and better things from them next season.”
— Charles Gilchrist
