Volleyball Off to Historic Start
Choctaws off to their best start since 1994 following back to back sweeps
The Choctaw volleyball team is off to their second-best start in program history. Currently sitting at 7-0, this is the best start since the 1994 team rattled off ten straight victories to start their season.
In an absolutely dominant weekend to start the season, the Choctaws went 4-0 at the Union Volleyball Classic sweeping every single set. In the first game against Arkansas-Monticello, they were led by Lydian Paulette who had 13 kills, and Lexie Laurendine who had 20 assists. In their second match-up, against Texas Women’s University, Caroline Chastang led the way with 13 kills and Lexie Laurendine showed out with 17 more assists and 17 digs.
In their third game, MC defeated Belmont Abbey for the first time, with Lydia Paulette recording nine kills and Lexie Laurendine dishing out 12 assists. They capped off the weekend with a win over Union, as Lydia Paulette recorded 12 kills, Kendall Platt had nine digs, Sloane FitzHenry had four blocks, and Ali Wiggins dished out 21 assists.
This past weekend, the Choctaws were once again dominant as they went 3-0 at the Rollins Invitation in Winter Park, Florida. First, they defeated Florida Tech 3-1, led by Missy Beber with 25 digs and Lexie Laurendine who recorded 36 assists. Next, they beat Rollins, 3-2. Julia Sumerall performed well with ten blocks, and Missy Beber also stood out recording 16 digs. Finally, they capped off their sweep of Belmont Abbey 3-0 behind a 14-assist performance from Ali Wiggins.
So far this season Caroline Chastang leads the way with 72 kills, with Lydia Paulette right behind her at 71. Lexie Laurendine continues to rack up assists as she has 136 so far. Defensively Missy Beber has racked up 85 digs and Kendall Platt has 56. Julia Sumrall has led the way blocks-wise with 23, Sloane FitzHenry has 17, and Lydia Paulette has 12.
The Choctaws will have their first home test this upcoming Friday, September 9, when they will face Tougaloo and the University of Southern Arkansas. They will then begin conference play on Tuesday, September 13, at home against Christian Brothers at 6:00 p.m.