Henderson Oracle

Issue date: 10/22/07 Section: Sports

Despite setbacks, Lady Reddies beat UAM.

Most teams fear the rambunctious crowd that backs the Lady Reddies. The mere sight of the Rowdy Reddies T-shirts filing across the bleachers, like a sea of red, leaves most teams cringing in fear. However, on Tuesday night at the Duke Wells Center, the Lady Reddies had to travel a lonely - but victorious - road against the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

After getting off to a slow start and going through many lengthy rallies for single point volleys, Henderson was able to get focused and sweep the Cotton Blossoms 30-28, 30-26 and 30-27.

In their previous match-up against Monticello, the Lady Reddies were solid as a rock. At one time they managed to get the Cotton Blossoms down 22-1 and blow UAM out of the water on their home floor. "I think that we need to start with much more intensity," said head coach Rhonda Thigpen. "However, I am very glad that we won in three." The Lady Reddies are tied for number one in the league, but against Monticello their poor service and numerous errors helped disguise their winning reputation. During the second game the Lady Reddies struggled a little bit as they had trouble finding their rhythm. They put out a low hitting percentage - caused by poor passing - but with the help of sophomore Bethany Wright, who had some key digs to raise the team's intensity, the Lady Reddies were able to pull out a win. In the final game of the match the Lady Reddies were able to maintain control.

Emily Trudgeon had her time to shine with four fabulous spikes in the match, which directly contributed to an overall .325 attack percentage during the last game. Rose Euppah really stepped up for the Reddies in their time of need with a strong hitting game. She ended the game with 17 kills and a .361 attack percentage. Edith Musebe, who is normally a standout performer, struggled a little bit and did not hit as well as she has in the past.

She ended the night with 14 kills and 6 blocks to assist the Reddies in their victory. Although senior Rachel Norton's hustle was not displayed on the stat sheet, she had a great defensive game and played a key role in the team's success Tuesday night. For the Cotton Blossoms, junior MacKenzie Willis led the way with a 12-kill effort, and freshman Vikki Crisco assisted the hitting percentage of UAM with her 35 assists to keep Monticello within reaching distance of the Lady Reddies.

"I am never satisfied when we get off to a slow start the way we did," said sophomore libero Bethany Wright. "We can always do better, and there are always things we can do to improve," "We have a great team and great leadership, so I have high expectations for us."

Coach Thigpen knows the team will have to increase the intensity and level of play for their last two games against OBU and SAU.

With this victory, the Reddies advance to an 18-5 overall record and 7-1 in conference play, while UAM topples to 9-15 overall and 1-6 in the Gulf South Conference.

"The girls got off to a great start this season and have worked hard to get to where they're at," said former assistant coach Collea Carter. "They only have two games until the playoffs, and I know they will be a success."

The Lady Reddies will have to find a way to stay loose after their lengthy Florida trip and get ready for the rivals across the ravine, Ouachita Baptist University, on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

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