Playing before an adoring crowd of King's fans, the Lady Lions Volleyball team did not disappoint as they defeated the Cougars of Medgar Evers College 3-0 on Thursday night at the Hill Center in Brooklyn. The fans came out for this midweek game to enjoy the action on the court and to honor three senior King's student-athletes who have been a huge part of the team's success over the past four years: Abby Roth, Alex Kemsley, and Elizabeth Aguilar. All three were integral in King's back-to-back HVIAC Conference Championships and in the team's bid to the USCAA Nationals last season.
Abby Roth is a Business Major and Theology Minor graduating in May, after which she hopes to pursue a career in Marketing. Abby has served the college as the House of Thatcher Helmsman, Director of Student Organization, and currently works in the Marketing Department. Coach Richard says "Abby has been one of the most consistent players in recent TKC volleyball history, winning both the HVIAC Tournament MVP and Player of the Week, while also always having a gracious and cheerful demeanor."
Alex Kemsley is a Humanities Major and Museum Studies Minor graduating in December. She has decided to pursue her Master's Degree in Art History and Archaeology and wants to work in a museum one day. Over her time at King's she has served as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee communications director, is the current president for the organization, and she won HVIAC Rookie of the Year her freshman season. Coach Richard says that during her time at King's she has been a rock that the team relies on.
Elizabeth Aguilar is a Media, Culture, and the Arts Major with a media and film concentration graduating in May. After graduation, she hopes to work in the media and film space. She is a proud member of the House of Ten Boom and has been on the Dean's List seven times. Coach Richard says that over the past two years Lizzie has been the life of the team and constantly is making them die of laughter. She has always been one to step up and adapt when needed.
After a beautiful performance of the Star Spangled Banner by sophomore team member Rachel Guerra and classmate Julia Jensen, the match got underway. Perhaps inspired by the rowdy home crowd, King's got off to a fast start taking the first set 25-11. Medgar Evers seemed to become a bit more focused in the second set, but the Lady Lions were able to maintain their lead and win the second set 25-20. The King's fans got more involved as the match progressed cheering every point. The Lady Lions came out roaring to a 10-1 lead in the third set as they went on to prevail 25-10 in the set. Sophomore Juliette Hacquebord sealed the 3-0 victory as she delivered a service ace for the final match point.
Junior Bella Rush led the way for King's with 11 kills, 10 service aces, 16 digs, 1 blocked shot, and 22 points. Junior Eliana Adler scored a kill, 6 digs, and a point. Senior Alex Kemsley had 7 kills, 1 service ace, 3 digs, and 8 points. Freshman Liana Gonzalez added 3 service aces, 3 points, and 18 digs, and sophomore Rachel Guerra contributed 6 kills, 3 digs, and 6 points. Senior Abby Roth dished out 22 assists, 4 aces, 8 digs, a blocked shot, and 5 points, while fellow senior Elizabeth Aguilar had a kill, 6 aces, 19 digs, and 7 points.
NEXT UP: The Lady Lions travel to Hackettstown, NJ on Saturday, October 29 for a tri-match with FDU-Florham and host Centenary University.
