LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The West Alabama volleyball team took on West Florida, the No. 1 team in the South Region, for its senior night on Saturday, Nov. 6. Despite their best efforts, the Tigers could not get ahead of the Argonauts to fall 3-0 (25-14, 25-10, 25-13) in Pruitt Hall Gymnasium.
Before the match, Tiger volleyball honored four seniors for their contributions to the West Alabama program over the last few seasons. Nathalia Medeiros, Heloisa Niespodzinski, Beatriz Giordan, and Mackenzie Wells were all recognized as they played in the uniforms for second to last time on their home court.
Medeiros was the first to be recognized, and she has been a member of the UWA volleyball team for two seasons. She played in 28 matches for 93 sets to record 220 kills on 729 total attacks during that time. She currently leads the Tiger offense, averaging 2.5 kills per set. Medeiros was named to the GSC Spring All-Academic Honor Roll in 2021 for her successes in academics. Coach Hilary Lobenstein says of Nathalia, "Nathalia plays with so much fire, and her passion, energy, and effort were greatly appreciated in her time with us."
Giordan, a marketing major, has been a member of the Tiger volleyball team for three seasons. The Curitiba, Brazil native played in 51 matches for 151 kills on 516 swings, 16 service aces, 18 solo blocks, and 60 block assists. For her efforts in the classroom, she was named to the Fall 2019 and Spring 2021 GSC Academic Honor Roll. Coach Lobenstien says, "Bea brought positivity and energy from the moment she stepped on our campus and improved on the court each season."
Niespodzinski, a defensive specialist from Sao Bento Do Sul, Brazil, played for UWA for three seasons. She appeared in 79 matches for 18 assists, 53 service aces, and 343 digs. She was also named to the Fall 2019 and Spring 2021 GSC Academic Honor Roll. Coach says, "Helo was my first recruit at UWA and has been consistent in her attitude, energy, and effort every since. She improves on the court each year."
Wells, an exercise science major from Fruita, Colo., has been a member of the Tiger volleyball team for two seasons. Wells played in 30 matches for 84 assists, 15 service aces, and 476 digs during that time. She currently leads the Tiger defense with 305 digs on the season. In Spring 2021, she was named to the GSC All-Academic Honor roll for her efforts in the classroom. Coach says, "Kenzie has been exemplary in her role as captain and libero. Her passion, discipline, and action will be greatly missed on and off the court.
During her senior night, Medeiros led the Tiger offense with eight kills on 26 total attacks. She also went down for two digs in the effort.
At setter, Maddie Van Dyke handled assists in the competition for 24. She also had two digs.
On the defensive side of the ball, MacKenzie led the team with eight digs, and Madison Fisher and Isabela Sarti had one block each.
As a team, the Tigers had 27 kills on 91 swings for a .055 hitting percentage.
In contrast, West Florida had 40 kills on 69 total attacks for a .507 hitting percentage. Madi Cooler led the Argos with 11 kills on 21 attacks.
The Tigers will be back in action on Wednesday, Nov. 10, when they host Auburn University – Montgomery. The first serve is set for 4 p.m.
To stay connected with the UWA volleyball team, follow @uwavolleyball on Instagram and @uwa_volleyball on Twitter. General athletic news, along with game recaps and box scores, can be found at uwaathletics.com. Additional updates and information are available @UWAAthletics on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
