Women's Volleyball Season Review
The 2014 Faith eagle volleyball team attained a second consecutive 20 win season posting a 22-11 record. Faith was ranked in the NCCAA National Top 10 preseason rankings and throughout the entire season. With only a week of practice sessions to prepare, the 2014 schedule required opening with a demanding exhibition match against NAIA Concordia University, Nebraska. The Eagles fared well in spite of losing 3-0. Next, the annual Spikefest tournament pool included nationally ranked Manhattan Christian College and Providence University College. The Eagles played well losing to Manhattan 3-0 but rebounding with an exciting 3-1 defeat of region rival Providence University College! In the battle for third place the Eagles faced nationally ranked and 2013 NCCAA national runner up Ozark Christian College. Again the Eagles demonstrated their team spirit down 2-1 and winning set four and forcing a decisive set 5. Ozark was able to take advantage of Eagle serve receive mistakes and capture the win.
The team pressed forward and continued to be ranked in the NCCAA DII Top Ten rankings. The Eagles next ventured to Minneapolis, Minnesota for the North Central pre-regional tournament hosted by North Central University. Faith defeated Trinity Bible College and NCU setting up match for the second time in a week with nemesis the Providence Pilots. The Eagles played well, however injuries sustained in earlier matches required revamped rotations allowed Providence to capture the win 3-1. Coming out of the tournament, the Eagles desired to remain positive, which they did, stringing together a 9-0 winning streak and only 1 set loss! With the streak the Eagles season record was 19-7!
Faith entered the 2014 MCC Conference Tournament as the #3 seed. The Eagles fell in the semi-final to Manhattan, but defeated host CCCB for a third place, pushing their season record to 20-8! Faith had three players named to the MCCC All-Conference Team including junior Kim Post to 1st team, senior Stephanie Knupp to 2nd team and Junior JoJo Hodak receiving honorable mention.
The Eagles hosted the North Central Region Tournament as the #2 seed. Faith disposed of #3 NCU in 3 straight sets in dominating fashion setting up the regional championship match with the Providence Pilots for the 5th time in 6 seasons. Providence played an impeccable match hitting season high attack and serve % along with solid defense and stinging the Eagles with a 3-0 loss. Kim Post was selected as the #2 player in the North Central Region while JoJo Hodak earned the #4 selection, both first team members. Senior setter Stephanie Knupp was selected to the second team and freshmen Shannon Steffen continued the long history of Eagle volleyball by being chosen as the Libero of the Year!
The Eagles concluded their season with a first time trip to the ACCA National Tournament hosted by Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri. Faith began tournament action against a very difficult and underrated Arlington Baptist team losing 3-0. As they did all year, the Eagles responded with a 3-0 win against Hillsdale Free Will Baptist to move into play back competition against Dallas Christian. The Eagles played inspired volleyball seeking to reach the semi-final round and gained a 2-0 set lead. Momentum quickly changed as Dallas Christian tied the sets at 4 and won in the 5th and final set.
A highlight for the team was ministering at Calvary Baptist Church in Ottumwa, Iowa. The team ministered by teaching youth and Senior High Sunday school classes, children's church classes, and providing a 30 minute morning service package through musical voice and instrumental special numbers.
The 2015 Eagles look to return a number of upperclassmen to continue the Eagle volleyball winning experience!