At the NCAA Regional...                                                 Lycoming Shows Heart Versus Haverford

HUNTINGDON, Pa.—The Lady Warriors (17-14) traveled to Juniata College on Thursday to face Haverford (25-4) in the first round of the NCAA Regional Tournament. The third-seeded Fords defeated the Freedom Conference Champions, 3-1 (21-30, 17-30, 33-31, 17-30), but Lycoming showed a spirit that will define 2007.

In what would be their final game in blue and gold, Lady Warrior seniors Lindsey Artz and Cassie Kapson led Lycoming’s charge. Both players recorded 13 kills for the match, while Artz also gathered a team high 20 digs. Digs and defense were essential as Haverford really pounded the ball on offense.

The Fords were led by twin sisters, Rebecca and Rachel Salvo, from La Canada, California. While 80% of Lycoming’s team hails from Pennsylvania, Haverford, located near Philadelphia, does not list one player from its home state. Hand-picked players from Seattle, Minnesota and Oklahoma made the Fords a difficult adversary.

Whenever Artz or freshman Hannah Stump unleashed a powerful kill attempt, Haverford was there to dig it up. Dressed in black, the Fords were like ants at a picnic, they seemed to be everywhere. Nonetheless, the Lady Warriors kept the pressure on. Sophomore Heather Frantz showed why she will be a team leader next year, rising to kill 9 balls, while digging 18 attacks. Stump supplied 11 kills and fellow frosh Abby Myers added 45 assists.

The Lady Warriors led game one 10-6, but allowed Haverford to get back in and win 30-21. In game two, Lycoming quickly found themselves down 12-3. Cassie Kapson elevated her game despite the deficit, but Haverford prevailed 30-17.

Then something happened. The Lady Warriors started smiling, even laughing, during the break. As they took the court for game three, the team seemed to appreciate their accomplishments and enjoy their bond with one another. They started having fun.

Funny how that works. Lycoming won the third frame, 33-31, with timely aces by Artz and Myers. Artz actually lasered two aces and came up with her trademark blocks and kills precisely when the Lady Warriors needed them.

In the final game, Lycoming displayed its stars of the future as Stump rose to smack four kills, while Frantz had two. Even freshman setter Myers delivered a kill. Ultimately, Haverford was stronger, but the Lady Warriors showed the makings of an excellent squad for next year. While Head Coach Tim McMahon will miss the leadership and dominance of Artz and Kapson, he has significant talent to work with in 2007.