Senior TaCho Richard had six service aces and seven digs and junior Shannon Harrison had 22 digs and three service aces as the Prairie View Lady Panthers picked up a win on Senior Day, defeating Grambling in four sets 30-13, 26-30, 30-26, 30-14.
The win pushed the Lady Panthers’ record to 18-9 overall and 6-1 in the SWAC Western Division, clinching the division for the team. The Lady Panthers, currently on a three game winning streak now ranks number one in the conference in hitting percentage (.224), assists (11710, kills (1409), and service aces (252). The Panthers also rank second in opponent hitting percentage.
“They played well. Still, we need to learn to finish the game,” said head coach Alicia Pete, referring to the team’s loss in the second set. “The second set was actually a wake-up call for them to pick up their game.”
After the Lady Panthers won the first set easily, the team faced a stiffer challenge from Grambling, as the Lady Tigers controlled the second set, winning 30-26 to tie the match at one set apiece.
Grambling again controlled the third set and looked poised to take a two set to one advantage as they held a 24-19 lead. Refusing to give up, the Lady Panthers rallied back to take the third set, helped in great part by three consecutive service aces by Harrison.
“They showed a lot of heart there. A lot of the spirit came from the crowd, so I’m thankful the student body came out and supported us,” said Pete. The comeback spawned the momentum the team needed, as the Lady Panthers had little trouble defeating the Lady Tigers in the fourth set, winning 30-14. Richard also leads the conference in service aces with 0.64 a game.
The win capped the SWAC home careers of seniors Brandie Johnson, Crystal Stigler and Alexandria Neul. They have one non-conference home game left against Paul Quinn. The team honored the trio with a bouquet of flowers and other gifts to show their appreciation. Stigler leads the conference in hitting percentage.
“The win feels good, I’m just so excited I can’t even express myself,” said Stigler. “It was an emotional win. I’ve been playing volleyball for nine years and it feels like it’s all coming to an end.”
After the game Neuls stated how much she enjoyed her stint of being a part of such a unique team. “I love playing volleyball, I have played this sport all my life, after our last home game I will be sad, but I am loooking forwards to the upcoming SWAC tournament.”
The Lady Panthers next face Paul Quinn Nov. 2, which will be their last scheduled home game. The Lady Panthers will play host to the SWAC athletic conference tournament which will be held Nov. 9-11.