BUENA VISTA, Va. Led by Senior Sam Sumsion, the Southern
Virginia Volleyball team recorded a win in the last match of the
season, and on Senior Night, beating Randolph 3-0. Sumsion recorded
10 kills and was a force on the defensive end chipping in a pair of
digs, and creating few hitting lanes for the Wildcats to find.
Sumsion was honored along with Hilary Congdon nd Jessi Gibbons as
the Seniors for the 2009 team. The Knights worked hard and were
able to end the home stand for the season on a winning note, and
were also able to hand the seniors a win in their last game before
the USCAA National Tournament.
"We played a great final game tonight," said Head Coach Brian
Pendleton. "I really wanted to have the seniors end their careers
here with a positive vibe, and they did with this win. The momentum
we gain from this game is important as we head to the tournament.
You always want to go into a tournament on a positive note."
The Knights started fast in the first set, and were able to get
a quick 25-14 win to go up 1-0. The highlight for the set was a
19-10 lead for the Knights. Randolph fought back, and was able to
make a match of it, as they forced SVU into a back and forth second
set. The Knights were able to overcome the Wildcats' tenacity, and
walked away with the 25-21 win. SVU was able to put the match away
in the third, as they overcame a give and take early portion of the
set to claim the 25-19 win.
"This was a good match for us," said Pendleton. "I'm just really
happy for these seniors. They have been tremendous contributors to
this program. Hillary and Jessi were here when I first started
coaching the program, so to see them be so successful and ready to
graduate is a fantastic thing. Sam is in her second year here, but
she has made a huge contribution to this team. I'm glad we had them
here."
The Knights now turn their attention to the USCAA National
Tournament. The opening round robin games will start on Nov. 5 with
the championship and consolation games on Nov. 7. The Knights will
look to improve on the consecutive third place finishes in 2007 and
2008. SVU now has a record of 18-12.
