Pioneers Finish Regular Season with Win at Home

Pioneers finished the season with a four game win streak and 3-2, come from behind win over College of Southern Maryland.

By Madison Marmen,
Reporter for Campus Current

 "This is kind of our revenge," said Head Coach Adriane McDivitt before the game, as a playlist created by Lauren Nisson, middle blocker for the AACC Pioneers, blared through the speakers.

The Pioneers (3-8 in MDJUCO, 7-10 overall) lost to the College of Southern Maryland Hawks at the beginning of the season 3-1. It was the final home game of the season on Tuesday night, and McDivitt knew that her players were prepared.

 "I'm confident in every match," she said, as her players were stretching on the court.

However, as the game started, it was clear that the Hawks were not going down without a fight.

Kalia Exum and Chanel Motley, outside hitters for the Hawks, were set on winning this game. Both athletes leaped into the air and slammed the ball onto the ground, gaining point after point. The Hawks defeated the Pioneers in the first two sets, 25-22 and 25-19.

Hawks' fans were thrilled; they were sure this would be another win.

"This is an exciting game," said Motley's mother, Michelle Steele. "The girls are showing great athleticism." 

When the third set began, the Pioneers walked onto the court with determination on their faces. Katrina Kyllander, outside hitter for the Pioneers, dove for the ball as if her life depended on it. Proving she was the jack-of-all-trades, she earned the Pioneers the match as she served and spiked the ball with a force that the Hawks were not prepared for.

The Pioneers won the second two matches 25-18 and 26-24. It was time for the final round, and it was clear that Samantha Hebb, hitter for the Pioneers, was going to do everything in her power to win this game.

As the set was tied 9-9, Hebb knew that this was her last chance. In the last minutes of the game, Hebb was filled with a final surge of energy and spiked the ball five times, earning point after point. The Pioneers defeated the Hawks in the final match 15-10.

            With a wide smile, Hebb revealed that she was not going to stand by and let her team suffer another loss against the Hawks.

            "The only way you can show change is if you show change yourself," said Hebb. 

            Kyllander was also proud of her efforts during the game.

            "My dad always told me, 'play each game like it's your last,'" she said. "I give my all every chance I get."

            Although the Pioneers won their last home game, this is not their final match. The team is now on their way to Regionals, which takes place on Nov. 1 and 2, said Hebb.