SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The #5 University of Providence volleyball team continued their historic season Wednesday afternoon, defeating Life University in straight sets to win their pool and advance to the quarterfinals of the NAIA National Volleyball Championship.
The Argos (28-2) defeated the Running Eagles (34-3) 25-21, 25-21, 25-15. The win marks the first time the program has reached the quarterfinals in school history. The win also extends the school record of most wins achieved in a season at 28.
"There was so much excitement after that last point," head coach
Arunas Duda said. "This is the farthest that we've ever gone in school history. Since we lost last year
at the National Tournament it's been our goal to get here. I'm so excited that we finally accomplished that. I'm excited for these girls that earned it every step of the way."
Things started out pretty even in the first set, until a three-point run gave the Running Eagles a 13-10 lead. An Argo timeout didn't do much to help, as the Running Eagles extended the lead 18-13. The Argos responded, as they have all year, winning five of the next six points to take the lead. The squad ended the set on an 11-3 run to clinch the first set 25-21.
That momentum carried over into the second set as the Argos raced out to a 9-3 lead. The Running Eagles were able to tie the game at 10, but the Argos went on another run to extend the lead to 19-12. The Eagles weren't able to recover, as the Argos took the second set 25-21 as well to snag a 2-0 lead. After a back and forth start to the third set, the Argos were able to score five straight points to gain an 18-12 advantage. They never looked back, winning the game 25-15 to secure their place in the Elite Eight.
"They did a nice job of adjusting to some of the things that we do," Duda said. "Points were kind of hard to come by for us. They were able to step in front of us and maybe get a timely block or a good dig. Their setter, she was fantastic. She's the best setter I've seen all year. They did a good job of preparing for us. It was one of those things where our girls stayed the course and kept after it. We found a few more of their weaknesses than they found of ours."
Sadie Lott led the attack with 11 kills on the night, while
Jenna Thorne notched nine.
Cydney Finberg-Roberts recorded 25 assists on the night.
Sacha Legros paced the way defensively, leading the team with 26 digs. Lott and
Adysen Burns each recorded 14 digs, while
Taylor Christensen added 12. The team recorded 14 blocks, with Finberg-Roberts, Lott,
Mariah Jardine and
Zoe Naugle each recording three.
The win moves the Argos in a quarterfinal match against #4 Park Thursday evening. The Pirates (27-2) feature returning two-time NAIA National Player of the Year Nada Meawad. Between her and her twin sister Noura, the Argos will have their hands full trying to contain their attack. First-serve will begin at 6:30 p.m. MTN.
"I told myself I was going to give myself five minutes to enjoy this before I start watching film but then I sat down and pulled my laptop out right away," Duda said. "I want our girls to be in the best situation possible for tomorrow. Our goals aren't accomplished yet. Since we're here, we might as well get it all done. We know it's just one step at a time. We've gotten one step further every year and hopefully we can continue all the way this time."
