Cece Razo
Staff Writer
In a close high-tension battle, the Franciscan University women’s volleyball team claimed victory over the Geneva Golden Tornados 3-2 on Oct. 22nd at 7 p.m. The pressure was on during this conference match.
Prior to the game, head coach Jen Hickey, shared with the Troubadour the strategy and goals to face Geneva College. She shared, “What are the goals for tonight’s game? Our main goal is to get a win especially since this is a conference game.”
When asked about the preparation that took place for this match, she said, “We watched film of their recent match and analyzed certain areas that we can hopefully take advantage of. We have been challenging ourselves to play more aggressively on offense while keeping up our signature strength, which is our gritty, defense.”
The Barons did just that. At the initial start of the game, the Barons showed aggression and alertness to the Golden Tornados sharp hits. The first set of the game set the tone of a constant point by point battle in which both teams fought for the advantage.
During a moment of struggle, defensive specialist freshman Kaitlan Hickey regained confidence for the team in serving for six points and helping close the gap of the Golden Tornado’s lead.
Both teams played with everything they had in that first set, but ultimately the Barons pulled ahead winning 26-24.
The next set was similar to the first in being high stakes, fast-paced and extreme pressure on both teams. In this set, Geneva showed their fearlessness in diving and spiking during each play. Geneva showed strength but the Barons played superiorly in their teamwork and skill level.
Outside hitter graduate student Mary Jean Cadman displayed a remarkable set of spikes in this set, asserting her dominance on the court. The Barons won this set 25-17.
The third set took a different tone with Geneva coming right off the bat with ripping the lead from the Barons hands. The couple set losses rolled off their shoulders for they gave everything in this set.
The crowd was on the edge of their seat on the possible conference win for the Barons while the Golden Tornados held their breath for a possible change in the tide. After a long hard-fought battle, the Golden Tornados won the set 25-22.
At the start of the fourth set, Geneva took control once again, fighting hard for the lead. The game went back to the back and forth, point by point repetition. Outside hitter sophomore Angela Sweeney hit an incredible spike during this set bringing the score to 12-11.
The tension was high during the last couple of points. The whole student body muttering small prayers and clinging on to each other hoped for a victory.
And the victory was granted. The Barons won the set 25-22 and won the match 3-2 against the Geneva Golden Tornados.
An incredible high stakes match of which both teams displayed incredible talent and sportsmanship.
The Barons next match is Oct. 24th at 6 p.m. at the Finnegan Fieldhouse here at Franciscan University.