California Lutheran University’s women’s volleyball team fell with a final score of 1-3 against the University of La Verne in its Senior Day and final game of the season on Friday, Nov. 3.
“We talked about how we could exploit their weaknesses on defense and how we could match up,” Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Kellee Roesel said. “What kind of defense we’re going to play behind the block depending on who’s blocking and who’s hitting.”
The loss brought the Regals’ Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference record to 8-8, marking the first time in the program’s history that they have failed to have a winning record in the conference.
Senior Liberos Amy Buffini and Alysha Buffini and Senior Outside Hitter Sadie Peete were honored ahead of the game for their accomplishments as student-athletes.
“I think tonight had a lot of emotions going on,” Peete said. “I gave it everything I had.”
In the first set, the Regals and the Leopards went back and forth, but Cal Lutheran was able to claim it with a score of 25-18. The visitors responded with aggressive offense in the second set, taking it with a score of 25-13.
Despite the Regals having the lead for the majority of the third set, La Verne scored eight of the final 10 points of the set to win it with a score of 25-22. The Regals were two points away from taking the fourth set, as they led 23-21, but the Leopards scored the final four points and wrapped up the 3-1 victory.
“She [Roesel] was motivating us to finish and push through the end and not let ourselves beat ourselves up mentally,” Amy Buffini said.
Both Peete and Amy Buffini said part of the Regals’ game plan going into the last game was to “block line on the big hitters so that we could funnel the balls to the defensive players.” Peete said the team practices putting a lot on the line and makes sure they practice in the same manner as they play in games.
According to CLUSports.com, Peete finished the game with seven kills, two blocks, and 10 digs, adding to her overall season statistics of 256 kills, 22 blocks, and 277 digs. Amy Buffini recorded a total of two assists and 20 digs, contributing to her overall season statistics of 48 blocks and 308 digs, according to CLUSports.com.
Roesel said during locker room talks and timeouts, she reminds the Regals of the importance of continuing to “stick to the game plan and keep believing in themselves.”
“Just give it your all to the end,” Amy Buffini said. “You don’t want to have any regrets.”
Roesel said first contact is something that the team has struggled with for years, and continuously works on in practice. She said when the team gets into a good rhythm, they excel in executing the skill.
Looking ahead to the offseason, Roesel said the team will be focusing on practicing ball control and work towards getting stronger and more agile.
“It’s never a lack of effort with these kids,” Roesel said. “They’re so great and they work hard.”
The Regals concluded the season with an overall record of 10-16 and will return to competition in fall 2024.
