By: Elena Panora-Jara
Contributor
The university’s women’s volleyball team will face American International College in a NE10 Conference volleyball match on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. in the Pelz Gymnasium.
The match comes less than a month after the university pushed AIC to five sets before falling short 3-2.
“No other team has taken AIC to five sets so far this season,” assistant athletic trainer and NCAA diversity and inclusion designee Mercedes Himmons, said. “It’s going to be a big game with a lot of excitement.”
The Owls kicked off this year’s NE10 play winning 3-1 against Saint Anselm College.
Altogether, the team secured 56 kills, with right side hitter Sydney Bennett, a graduate, leading the team with 18.
As of Oct. 4, AIC sits at the top of the standings with a 16-1 overall win/lose rate and a .941 winning percentage this season.
The university trails the Yellow Jackets with a 12-4 overall record and a .750 winning percentage.
The Owls’ recent performance has generated buzz and excitement among students, one of whom says she is looking forward to seeing the team compete at home.
“It’s going to be a pretty intense game,” elementary education major Olivia Siciliano, a sophomore, said. “It’ll be interesting.”
For nursing major Ruth Jimenez, a freshman, the appeal of the upcoming game is not only the rematch between the Owl’s and AIC, but also the atmosphere of another home game.
“There’s going to be a lot of excitement; probably expect a huge crowd,” Jimenez said.
While the match gives the university a chance to redeem its previous loss, the game will also include a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
In partnership with the university’s division of diversity, equity and inclusion, the Organization of Latin American Students, has been invited to plan an artistic performance in between sets two and three that will celebrate Hispanic culture and diversity.
Himmons said the event reflects the university’s commitment to diversity.
“It ties in with Southern’s overall mission of being social justice forward and providing an inclusive environment,” Himmons said.
The Tuesday, Oct. 20 matchup gives the Owls another opportunity to challenge one of the conference’s top teams on home grounds.
Himmons said the game is also intended to bring students together through celebration.
