Although the Wildcats’ season ended in a loss a little less than two weeks ago, the seniors can hold their heads high knowing they accomplished a goal that has been outside their grasp for three years: an NCAA tournament appearance.
“I think the season was a success,” said senior Ijeoma Moronu. “Of course we would have wanted to win the conference title and gone farther into regionals, but you win some and you lose some.”
The Wildcats advanced to NCAA Div. II Regional Tournament, and proved they belonged with an upset win over third-seeded Truman State. The Wildcats fell in the second round to second-seeded Washburn, but the statement was made that the ACU women’s volleyball is on the national map to stay.
Two of the three seniors on the squad, Moronu and Shawna Hines earned Daktronics all-Region honors for their stellar play this year.
Hines was a first-team selection at middle hitter. She recorded over 100 blocks for the fourth consecutive year with 166. That was good enough for second nationally at 1.42 blocks per set. Hines is only the second player at ACU to finish her career with 600 or more blocks. Hines will be placed on the all-American ballot as she is looking to become the first two-time all-American in ACU volleyball history.
Moronu, a second-team selection, has paced the Wildcats all year with her stellar sets. She finished her career at ACU with 4,847 blocks, second all-time. It was Moronu who fought off an ankle injury in the win against Truman in the regional tournament and led the Wildcats to that upset victory.
Jordan Schilling, an all-tournament selection at the South Central regional tournament, is the third senior on the Wildcats. She put up double-doubles in the win over Truman and the loss to Washburn. In the two games, Schilling was all over the court with 29 kills and 32 digs.
Even with all of the talent that is leaving, the Wildcats’ future looks bright. Freshman Neely Borger quickly worked her way into the starting lineup and excelled next to Hines. Madelyn Robinett also saw plenty of court time this year and will be in the mix for a starting spot next season. Freshman setter Caley Johnson was thrown into the fire when Moronu was hurt in the tournament. Johnson gained valuable playing time, which can only help next year as she tries to fill Moronu’s shoes.
This season, the Wildcats made their mark on the national landscape through the leadership of their seniors.
“I’m really going to miss the volleyball,” Moronu said. “But I’ll miss the relationships I formed just as much.”
