Some highs, some lows, three wins and three losses. In short, that sums up the last two weeks of Southern States Athletic Conference play for the Wolfpack volleyball team.
In essence, though, it doesn’t quite tell the whole story. The last six Loyola matches were comprised of much more.
“It’s been up and down throughout conference play,” said Tommy Harold, volleyball coach.
Coming into conference play, the Wolfpack were confident about their chances against Lee University, which is ranked number two in the nation, after defeating their long-time rival, Millsaps College, in four sets.
Lee University, however, outlasted Loyola in the fifth and final set giving the Wolfpack their first conference loss of the season. Following that match, everything appeared to be going downhill for the Wolfpack.
They dropped two of the next three matches to Shorter University and Spring Hill College in consecutive sets — their two worst losses of the season — and lost marketing senior Gina Gill to an ACL tear.
Loyola overcame their circumstance, regrouped and squeezed by both Faulkner University and Mobile University in five set matches improving the team to 3-3 in conference.
“It’s a testament to their hard work, it’s a testament to their will to go out and perform and to take those opportunities that come,” Harold said.
Amanda Oldani, marketing senior, said those two victories speak volumes about the team’s heart and determination, especially since they achieved them without one of their best players.
Moving forward, the Wolfpack will make some adjustments, but for the most part, the game plan remains the same.
“We have to get out, practice and work to get better,” Oldani said. “We have a big crossover tournament in Georgia this weekend so that’s where our focus is now. Just getting better and getting more wins.”
Craig Malveaux can be reached at
