Volleyball team off to shaky start with only
4 non-conference wins

By Melina Salvage
Staff Writer

The Braves volleyball team is off to a rough start this season, but this has not deterred the undeniable heart and talent the team possesses.

Although the team is compiled of nine underclassmen and three upperclassmen, these ladies are ready and determined to win and their actions and emotions show it.

The Braves took on Fayetteville State University on Sept. 22 at home in the Jones Athletic Complex. The Braves swept right by the Fayetteville State Lady Broncos, winning three straight games in a row (30-24, 30-25, 30-25). The victory brought the Lady Braves up to (4-7) on the season.

Senior Stacey Norton had 15 kills, while sophomore Jennifer Parada had the game high of 46 assists. This was the Braves first home victory of the season.

"I am very pleased with the win, it's our first home win witch makes it nice. Everyone on the team contributed to this three game sweep. Every win is a confidence builder for the Lady Braves," Coach Beverly Justice said after the game.

"First home game win! It feels good to win at home," sophomore setter Jennifer Paroda said.

The Braves had a good crowd to come out and support their victory.

Sept. 24, the Lady Bra-ves went into Peach Belt action taking on the University of North Florida here at home. The Lady Ospreys defeated the Braves 0-3.

The next day Sept. 25, the Lady Braves traveled to St. Andrews Presbyterian College. They were defeated 0-3.

Stacey Norton led the team with eight kills, and Natalie Niesborella finished the game with a defensive stop of 18 digs.

On Sept. 29, the Braves took on the Francis Marion University Patriots at the Jones Center. They lost the game 1-3. Norton had the season high with 16 kills against the Patriots.

UNCP had six blocks, and served 12 aces. The Braves put up a good fight, despite their loss. They now stand (4-10), (0-2).

The Lady Braves go back into action on Oct.12 against non-conference team North Carolina Central at 7p.m. at home.