WCCS shows fight against conference leaders
Published 9:22 pm Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Wallace Community College Selma’s Courtnee Golphin attempts to spike the ball through the outstretched arms of Wallace State Community College Hanceville’s Olivia Walker in a game played Tuesday night at WCCS. The Lions defeated the Patriots 27-25, 25-20, 25-22.–Daniel Evans
Wallace Community College-Selma fell to conference rival Wallace State Community College-Hanceville Tuesday night 25-27, 20-25, 22-25.
The Lions, who are in first place in the Alabama Community College Conference at 8-0, showed why they have been so dominant this season, edging out close wins in the first and the third set to break any momentum the Patriots might have had.
“To be honest tonight, these girls have nothing to be ashamed of,” Wallace Community College Selma head coach April Harper said. “They could’ve won that but it is that experience that they are lacking. Mistakes at the end gave the other team the momentum to push through.”
Harper’s Patriots led in the third set 22-18, but a 7-0 run by Hanceville put game away and ended the match in a 3-0 sweep.
“They sent a message tonight. They can play with anybody.,” Harper said of her team.
The Patriots, who have a lot of freshman, all had a chance to play against the top team from their conference and measure themselves against them.
“The other great thing about it is everybody played,” Harper said. “All of my girls played this No. 1 team tonight and they did the best they could. I was extremely proud of them. They gave 110%.”
Even with the loss, Harper was happy with her team’s performance because they pushed Hanceville and forced the Lions to earn every point.
“I’m ecstatic. I really am. I’m almost speechless,” Harper said. “I’m very proud of them. Out of my four years here, even with the loss, this is the best night ever.”
The first set, which went to a tiebreak, and a third set that Selma led until the end, decided a match that seemed closer than a sweep.
In the second game, Hanceville rallied from a small deficit to tie the match at 11-11, before pulling away 25-20. The final game started out as all Patriots, who appeared ready to send the match to a fourth set with a 20-18 lead. Hanceville scored the next seven points, ending the match abruptly.
The Patriots and Lions will play again Thursday at Hanceville. WCCS next home game is Sept. 30 against Southern Union.
