A Road Trip To Remember
On Wednesday November 3rd, the Providence Christian College women's volleyball team left for a five day, three game, Northern California road trip which had many ups and downs along the way. The Lady Sea Beggars headed off on their final road trip of the 2021 season, where competition, memories, and incredible adversity awaited.
The team made a stop in San Francisco on the way to Redding, and after enjoying some delicious tacos and ice cream, they headed to Land's End to take a little hike and soak in all the sights the area has to offer. Upon the return to their vans, the players and coaches discovered that both vans had been broken into and robbed by "smash and grab". Fortunately, the wisdom of the coaches led the players to carrying most of their valuables on the hike, as well as their uniforms. The broken windows required the rental vans to be towed and replaced before the team could continue their road trip. After hours of uncertainty and upended plans, the team showed its incredible resiliency and positive attitudes as they made the most of what could have been a very unnerving experience. At one point, one of the players received a phone call from an unknown number, which turned out to be a local resident who had found most of the teams stollen belongings. Nearly all the stollen suitcases, backpacks, and clothes had been rummaged through, and then dumped in a carport not far from where the team had hiked. Later that evening, they were excitedly reunited with most of what had been taken. The team was able to express their gratitude to the "Good Samaritan" who went out of his way to collect their stollen items and locate the team to personally return their belongings. This experience ended up being such a blessing to everyone involved and was an incredible testimony to thousands of people as the team was interviewed on the local news. The positive team spirit, and message from Mirka Granoble Cali (SR/Union City, NJ) that "as much as there are bad people in this world, there are also good people in this world", was heard by countless people through the local news broadcast and on social media. After jumping through many hoops (and being on the news), the team was able to hit the road again and continue up to Redding to start competing in their final three matches.
Telanni Childs (SR/Walnut, CA) was asked how the experience in San Francisco impacted her and she shared Romans 5:3-5. "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." She reflected on this scripture saying, "If we only look at the negatives in life, we will miss out on the glorious ways He is working in our lives. This was a great life lesson for the team to show the joy we have been given through Christ, and others to see they can also have this joy regardless of their circumstances." Jordyn Moser (SO/Prescott Valley, AZ) added, "Our trip to San Francisco was one that I'll remember forever. As likely as it could have been to only see the negative, there were twice as many positives that came out of this experience. Our team did a great job of "hunting the good stuff" like Coach Chown has preached this year. Even the girls who didn't get their belongings stolen were just as excited when we heard that our teammates things were found, and it really showed our care for one another. Despite the circumstances, we were so grateful because God was truly looking after us."
The Lady Sea Beggars fell in three games to both Simpson and UC Merced but finished their season on a high note as they swept Pacific Union College in straight games. Providence dominated the match from start to finish, behind a total team effort. Josye Miller (SR/Redmond, OR) led the charge with a team high thirteen digs and five aces along with nine kills. Aniayia Harris (JR/Palmdale, CA) and Telanni Childs also made impressive contributions as they both hit for an average well above .500.
This resounding victory was a wonderful way to end the season for a team that fought hard all year.