Volleyball team beats Montevallo

By Jeffrey Howard | gargoyle@flagler.edu
Photo by Dyann Busse

The Flagler College volleyball team served up a huge win against the University of Montevallo on Saturday, Sept. 24th.

Last year, Flagler’s only Peach Belt Conference loss came at the hands of Montevallo, but once again the Saints proved their ability to succeed in the Peach Belt Conference.

“We were definitely playing to win and redeem ourselves,” Crystal Niederriter said. “I think it was one of the most rewarding games we have played this year because we all played well together and did not have one standout player. We also played with enthusiasm and with confidence throughout the entire game.”

Flagler won its match in straight sets against Montevallo. Crystal Niederriter led the Saints with 12 kills and 17 points, Emilee Taylor had 10 kills and 11 digs and Olivia Snipes aided the Saints with 44 assists.

“Our entire team played extremely well,” Taylor Mott, the head coach of the volleyball team, said. “Abby Meyers stepped up. She has seen limited playing time so far this season but she really had some great kills in the match”

But senior Olivia Snipes knows they have a long road ahead against Peach Belt teams this season.

“Our conference is very strong this year, our rival Armstrong Atlantic is ranked #19 in the nation and is currently 13-0 on the season,” Snipes said. “Also, we’ve seen other teams in our conference play some preseason tournaments and they are also very strong, Aiken is playing extremely well and Montevallo is also playing very well. This season will be tough and we will have to work hard to win. It’s extremely difficult to win 3 back to back to back conference titles so every team will be out for blood when they play us.”

With the win over Montevallo, Flagler College improved its record to 10-4 on the season. The team’s next scheduled match is home against Francis Marion University this Friday at 7 p.m.