Unrelenting Growth

The Providence Christian volleyball team went on their first extended road trip of the year, flying to Arizona to face California Pacific Conference opponents Park-Gilbert, Embry-Riddle, and Benedictine Mesa.  While the scoreboard wasn't the outcome the team wanted, the Lady Sea Beggars never relented and grew more united through their experience.

The Lady Sea Beggars opened the road trip on Thursday versus the reigning Cal Pac conference champions Park-Gilbert.  The Beggars struggled to find their rhythm in the opening set with Park scoring a 25-15 victory, but got into a grove in the second, eventually falling 27-25.  PCC continued to fight in the third set but couldn't pull out a win, dropping set three 25-19.   

Individually, Jordyn Moser was a standout player for Providence, with 7 kills and Isabella Taue'etia contributed 2 kills and 7 assists.  Jaznel-Lynette Baker-Samuelu had 11 assists and 1 ace, while Valeria Garcia added 2 kills.

When asked about the match, Freshman Elaine Turituri said, "I thought today's game was not our best level of play, but I know we can do better.  It was definitely a mental battle and even though we took a loss, it's something we can learn from."  Junior transfer Jennifer Martinez added, "Today was our first conference match and we were all so excited after a long travel day.  We've spent so much time together and our relationships have grown stronger.  We have worked extremely hard to cultivate great connections and discipline within each other.  We will only come out stronger for our future matches."

Day two saw the Beggars coming out firing on all cylinders early and challenging Embry-Riddle in set one.  Providence battled tough against a solid Eagles squad and eventually lost in three, 25-23, 25-16, and 25-17.  The Eagles were able to keep plays alive, which eventually turned into points and the victory.  Tiari Ho'okano led Providence with 5 kills, while Jordyn Moser contributed 4 kills, and Isabella Taue'etia had 9 assists. 

Senior captain, who hails from Arizona, Jordyn Moser talked about the challenge they faced saying, "Tonight definitely was a challenge for us against Embry-Riddle.  This was the first time we've seen a tough serving team as well as a talented offensive setter.  We battled defensively and kept our energy high throughout the match.  Even though tonight's game didn't end in a win, I am overwhelmed with joy that I finally got to play in my hometown and be supported by so many people who have played a huge part in my volleyball career.  Sophomore Janelle Loewen expanded saying "My favorite part about tonight's game was the fact that no matter what the score was, we never gave up.  We pushed to sideout as much as we could.  I think we really had a "next ball mentality" in tonight's game against ERAU.  Now that we know how they play, I think we will be able to play our game at our level the next time we play them, and I am so ready for it."

The Lady Sea Beggars wrapped up their Arizona road trip facing reigning Cal Pac tournament champions Benedictine Mesa.  The final score of the match was 25-20, 25-17, 25-21 in favor of Benedictine.  Tiari Ho'okano was the top offensive performer for the Beggars with 8 kills, closely followed by Jordyn Moser with 7 kills.  Isabella Taue'etia provided valuable assists for the team, tallying 22 in total.  Providence had several players who contributed to their defensive efforts, with Josephine Fuamatu and Chenelle Jones recording 7 digs a piece.

Freshman Isabella Taue'etia talked about the match saying, "This game was a tough one.  Even though it was tough, we fought and played our best.  When we play up to other teams' levels and have high energy, I feel like that's when we play our best.  It was great to see our hard work in practice paying off during the game.  It was really shown.  I'm glad that our last game in Arizona ended on a good note."  Fellow freshman, Kaili McDowell added, "Although last night's game was a tough loss, we played our hearts out and worked together as a team.  The connection we have is growing stronger every game and it showed during this entire weekend in Arizona.  We still have a lot of work to do, but I'm super proud of the work we've continuously put in together to be where we're at today."

The Lady Sea Beggars next match is against non-conference and cross-town opponent Occidental College tonight at 6pm on the road.  The Beggars follow today's match with a 3-game homestand versus Cal Pac opponents Simpson (9/14), UC Merced (9/15), and Pacific Union (9/16).  The first home series will feature themes of "Blackout" on Thursday, "Whiteout" on Friday, and "Pajama Jam" on Saturday.  Be a part of the unrelenting journey; see you in The Cove!