Dayton, TN- The Lady Lions encountered a challenging start to their Onset Invitational campaign in Fort Wayne, Indiana, dropping both matches on opening day despite displaying the fighting spirit and potential that could serve them well as the tournament and season progresses.
Game 1:
The day began with high expectations as the Lady Lions took on their most formidable opponent, 15th-ranked Aquinas University. Far from being intimidated by the Saints' national ranking, the Lady Lions came out with fearless energy and remarkable composure for such a high-stakes match-up.
Their aggressive approach paid immediate dividends as they controlled the tempo early, building momentum throughout the opening set. In a back-and-forth battle that showcased both teams' determination, the Lady Lions managed to edge out the favored Saints 25-23, sending a clear message that they were ready to compete.
The stunning first-set victory demonstrated the Lady Lions' ceiling when everything clicks, but it also seemed to awaken the sleeping giant. Aquinas, drawing on their deep experience and veteran leadership, methodically regained control of the match. The Saints' adjustments proved devastatingly effective as they overwhelmed the Lady Lions in the next three sets, winning decisively 25-14, 25-11, and 25-15 to complete the comeback victory.
Game 2:
The Lady Lions' second match of the day presented another significant challenge in the University of St. Francis Cougars. This contest proved to be a different kind of test—one that revealed both the team's resilience and areas for growth. While the final score showed a straight-set defeat (25-20, 25-23, 25-19), the competitive nature of each set told a more nuanced story.
Throughout the match against St. Francis, the Lady Lions consistently put themselves in position to succeed, building leads and staying within striking distance. However, critical execution failures at pivotal moments prevented them from capitalizing on their opportunities. The narrow margins in each set highlighted how close this young team is to breaking through against quality competition.
"The team showed moments of greatness mixed with moments of youth," said Coach Jessica Day, a sentiment that perfectly encapsulated the day's performances. The Lady Lions' talent and competitive fire were evident throughout both matches, but the experience gap became apparent during crucial stretches when veteran teams typically separate themselves. "I'm extremely proud of this team, we showed a lot of grit today. We will keep working and we will continue to improve," continued Coach Day.
Despite the 0-2 start, there were numerous positive takeaways for the Lady Lions coaching staff. The team's willingness to compete fearlessly against ranked opponents, their ability to execute game plans effectively for extended periods, and their resilience in bouncing back from difficult stretches all bode well for future success.
The Lady Lions now turn their attention to day two of the Onset Invitational, where they'll face Rochester Christian University and the University of Northwestern Ohio. With the tournament jitters behind them and valuable experience gained against elite competition, the team will look to translate their competitive moments into complete performances and secure their first victories of the weekend and the season.
Tomorrow's matches will provide an opportunity for the Lady Lions to demonstrate their growth mindset and prove that the lessons learned from today's challenges can fuel tomorrow's success. First serve for the Lady Lions begins at 11 AM with Rochester and 3:30 PM against UNOH.
