women's volleyball
End of the Year Review
The 2009 Lady Eagles volleyball team ended their regular season with a record of 22-9 and had a post-season record of 24-11 with the Eagles making a 3rd place finish at the Regional Tournament which was held in Kissimmee, Florida. Freshman Setter, Mary Willis and Freshman Outside Hitter, Bethany Slate received 1st Team All-Region honors for the South Region. Junior, Kaylyn Roedding received the National Scholar Athlete award. Bethany Slate was also named 1st Team All-American.
This year's team had to deal with a lot of different types of adversity throughout the season which included several injuries and illness. Yet, they persevered and adjusted as a team with each situation. The Lady Eagles finished strong and represented TFC and the South Region very well. The coaching staff is now looking ahead to the 2010 season with anticipation and hope to be able to build on this year's young team.
Ladies off to Wilson-Salem
The Eagles leave for Wilson-Salem, NC Friday, September 4, 2009 to play a tri-match at Piedmont Baptist College and Washington Bible. On Saturday, September 5, 2009 they will face Catawba Valley Community College and Vance Granville Community College in Hickory, NC.
Defeat against Spartanburg Methodist College
The Lady Eagles went on to win their second match at home on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 against Spartanburg Methodist College from South Carolina. The scores were 25-21, 25-16, 25-14. Allison Gibson had 8 kills and 6 blocks. Bethany Slate had 12 kills with 5 blocks and 18 digs. Middle blocker, Rebekah Willson, had 6 kills with 3 blocks and Mary Willis finished the night with 20 set assists and 11 digs.
Home Opener
The Lady Eagles lost their home opener to Piedmont College from Demorest, GA on Tuesday September 1, 2009 22-25, 25-22, 10-25, 22-25. Outside hitter, Bethany Slate had 9 kills and middle blockers, Allison Gibson and Caroline Johnson both having 7 kills. Setter, Mary Willis had 25 assists. Defensively the team averaged 26 digs a game for the match.
2009 Outlook
The 2008 season saw the Lady Eagles Volleyball team finish with a .500 record culminating with a 3rd place finish in the NCCAAII South Region. The Lady Eagles were well represented at both the regional and national levels with Senior, Christine Kennedy, being named 1st Team All-Region and 2nd Team All-American. Along with Kennedy, Senior, Rebekah Bowen was named 2nd Team All-Region and received the National Scholar Athlete Award for the second year in a row and Senior, Carol Merritt, received Regional Honorable Mention honors.
The seniors will be missed and despite the loss of Sophomore, Outside Hitter Kayla Peters from Conyers, GA to a knee injury and Senior, Middle Blocker, Britanny Land from Chattanooga, TN due to a hip injury, the Lady Eagles are looking forward to the 2009 season with great anticipation. The Lady Eagles have a solid core of returning players which include Junior Setter, Danielle Ester from Edinboro, PA and Junior, Libero, Kaylyn Roedding from Ft. Myers, FL; Sophomore, Middle Blocker Allison Gibson from Roanoke, VA, Right Side Hitter, Caroline Johnson from Savannah GA and Defensive Specialist, Tori Brand also from Savannah, GA. In addition to the returners, confirmed incoming freshmen Mary Willis, an All-State Setter from Pickens, SC; Rebekah Wilson, an All-Region Middle Hitter from Weaverville, North Carolina and Bethany Slate, an All-Region Outside Hitter with the USAV Palmetto Region from Toccoa, GA, are experienced players who are expected to be strong additions to this year’s team. Coach Selina Slate is also looking forward to filling the remaining spots on the team from those who attend this year’s tryouts, which start Monday, August 17, 2009.
There is a great deal of excitement that comes with each new season and this year Coach Slate is hoping that the Lady Eagles will sore to new heights.