by By Derek Ziegler, contributing writer for NDNSPORTS.COM
(Lawrence, Kansas ) – The Haskell Indian Nations University Lady Indians (2-4) couldn’t end Central Christian College’s (5-3) 3 game winning streak on Tuesday evening at Coffin Sports Complex. Haskell led early in the 1st set, but Central Christian made a comeback to take a late lead 23-21. With a whole lot of defense by both sides the 1st set went deep in scoring. Central Christian ended the 1st set with a 28-26 win. “I think we were just nervous coming out, this being our first game on our home court,’’ said returning junior Aspen Sheperd.
In the 2nd set Tigers built an early 7 point lead. The Lady Indians than began a late rally with a 7-0 run to tie at 22. With a couple of errors and a lack of defense by Haskell, Central Christian locked down the 2nd set 25-22.
After a tough battle in the 1st and 2nd sets, Haskell began to show signs of life. The lady Indians played hard and together as they dominated the 3rd set with an 11 point win 25-14. “I think we started to feel more confident in our serves and passes. We came together more as a team,” said Sheperd.
Coming into the 4th set with momentum on their side, the Lady Indians had an ugly start with a 7-0 run by Central Christian. Gradually gaining back their momentum, the Tigers began to rally, continuously adding points to the deficit over Haskell. “I think we could’ve worked on our serves. It was mainly our own errors that affected us in this loss. Our mistakes messed us up mentally. Our heads were in different places. Our coach had to remind us we were still in it. We just fell short,” said sophomore Jalyn Frazier.
The Tigers came out on top with a 3-1 victory, bringing their winning streak to 4 consecutive victories over the Lady Indians. “The last set, I think our mental game was off. We have to keep positive and learn from this loss. We have to come back this weekend stronger, and bring more chemistry on the court, so we can be more successful,” said Sheperd.
The Lady Indians are looking to bounce back Friday, September 11th competing against Missouri Valley College in a tournament hosted by Avila University in Kansas City, MO at 11 A.M.
