Women's Volleyball Season Review
The Faith Eagles volleyball team experienced a very successful 2012 campaign attaining an 18-14 record and reaching both the North Central Region and Midwest Christian College Conference post season tournament championships. The Eagles recorded
The Faith Eagles volleyball team experienced a very successful 2012 campaign attaining an 18-14 record and reaching both the North Central Region and Midwest Christian College Conference post season tournament championships. The Eagles recorded an 8-3 MCCC conference record and second place finish.
The 2012 season presented a challenge immediately when primary setter Stephanie Knupp was injured just minutes before the opening match of the season, prompting freshmen KathieAnn Keister to begin her freshmen career immediately! An MRI examination confirmed Stephanie sustained a torn MCL, meniscus and cartilage in her knee yet in spite of the injury the Lord allowed her to play the entire season!
The Eagles faced a strong Spikefest Tournament field with 5 top 10 teams and 4 eventual 2012 NCCAA National Tournament teams. Faith finished a respectable 5th place displaying promise for the year. "We had 1 week to prepare for our early season matches and I was pleased after Spikefest. With our senior leadership and captains I knew our team would have stability to meet the demands of our schedule and season. The three captains Rikki, Ariel and Julia did a great job during the year helping the coaching staff and the team meet the demands of our season," noted coach Nihart.
After Spikefest the Eagles traveled north to North Central University for pre-regional matches finishing with a 2-2 record. Faith lost to eventual region winner Providence Christian College, split with Trinity Bible College and defeated NCU. During the ensuing weeks the Eagles used their early season success to compile a 5-0 conference win streak and 7-2 winning streak prior to the MCC conference tournament. The Eagles defeated Calvary Bible in the first round and Ozark Christian College in a semi-final match to move to the championship round against Manhattan Christian College. Faith continued their momentum taking the first set but eventual fell to the #5 nationally rated Crusaders. "We had some terrific volleyball play during our middle season and up to the conference tournament. This team found a way to respond to the seasons challenges and I am so thankful for their determination and effort. Again, it was the upperclassmen who demonstrated the Eagle spirit to our new family members!" noted Nihart.
Faith traveled to Otterburne, Canada home of Providence University College to compete in the North Central Region Championship tournament. The Eagles lost to Trinity Bible College on day one but responded positively defeating the Lions on day two of the double elimination tournament and advancing to the North Central Region championship. Providence proved too strong for the Eagles but not without a final push. "We did a great job responding the second day defeating Trinity in a thrilling and intense 5 set match. Providence played very well in sets one and two in the championship but I will remember our team's effort in set 3. We did not give up and played hard to the last ball," stated Nihart. "I will always be thankful for our seniors Rikki and Ariel who dedicated so much to our program and continued the value of testimony we desire to maintain in our athletic programs."
For their effort numerous national and conference individual honors were awarded to the Eagles in 2012. Senior Ariel Dicks received Spikefest All-Tournament honors. Junior middle hitter Julia Bray was awarded NCCAA Division II and AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) All American second team honors for the second consecutive year. Joining Bray on the AVCA second team was sophomore setter Stephanie Knupp. Bray, Knupp and senior Rikki Powell were voted to the North Central All-Region team with Powell receiving the 2012 Libero of The Year award marking the sixth consecutive season an Eagle has received the award! First team MCCC All-Conference honor was awarded to Powell with Julia Bray and Ariel Dicks recognized on the second team.Julia, Rikki and Natalie Bunjer all received the prestigious NCCAA Scholar Athlete Award.
The Eagles finished the regular season ranked nationally 16th of 42 according to Burbidge power rankings. As a team the Eagles ranked 17th in kill average, 15th in digging and 16th in assists. Individual statistical leaders included Julia Bray 11th in kill average, Rikki Powell 13th in digging and Stephanie Knupp 8th in assists. In addition to the three mentioned above Natalie Bunjer was ranked in the North Central Region for ace serves and digging along with freshmen Josephine Hodak and senior Ariel Dicks in the assist category. There were numerous Eagles leaders within the MCCC conference rankings
Julia Bray was the team leader in hitting with 15.31% attacking, 3.41 kills per set and 53 blocks. Junior Natalie Bunjer led the team in ace serves with 43 and a .37 average. Senor Rikki Powell was the leading digger with a 4.43 average and Stephanie Knupp led in assists with 8.35.
The Eagles had opportunity to minister with the women's and men's soccer team at Faith Baptist Church in Cambridge Iowa and as a team provide a volleyball clinic to the residents at the Iowa Juvenile Home
in Toledo, Iowa.
