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The 2008-2009 Lady Crusaders finished their regular season with a record of 9-11, a great accomplishment for such a young team. Their competition included schools from the NCCAA Division I, the NAIA Division I, USCAA, and NCAA Division III. The Crusaders stepped onto the court with only five returning players: seniors Taryn Jones and Renee Shives, junior Beth Inskeep, and sophomores Erica Harshbarger and Bethany Moeller. Sophomores Keanne Brazzell and Rachel Davis and freshmen Nicole Paddock, Jessica Johnson, Meagan Tonge, Leslie Sigmon, and Ashley Wagner joined the Crusaders as first-year players.
Captains Taryn Jones and Renee Shives served as strong leaders for the Lady Crusaders. Taryn, the team’s defensive specialist, led the team in serve receives, receiving with 94% accuracy, and led in digs, averaging four per set. Taryn was named to the NCCAA Division II Mid-East All-Tournament Team at the close of the season. Renee Shives, middle hitter, led the team in blocks and received All-Region Honorable Mention at the regional tournament. Beth Inskeep served her team well as a consistent server and outside hitter. Erica Harshbarger, middle hitter and blocker, led the Crusaders in kills, while Bethany Moeller distinguished herself as the team’s most consistent server, serving at 93%.
Freshman Nicole Paddock stepped up to serve as the team’s setter. She finished the season with an average of 4.3 assists per game; 25% of her sets resulted in kills. Nicole also led the Mid-East in serving aces. Jessica Johnson, outside hitter, added intensity to the team’s kills, utilizing her vertical jump and a strong hitting arm. Meagan Tonge improved her game to lead the team in kills at the regional tournament. Rachel Davis contributed greatly to the team’s success with her powerful serves, and Ashley Wagner aided in back row defense. Leslie Sigmon stood in as the team’s libero-in-training and comic relief. Keanne Brazzell, a promising hitter, was forced to sit out due to an injury early in the season.
The Lady Crusaders represented Crown College and their Lord well this season. They practiced good sportsmanship in every match, seeking to give God the glory for both victories and defeats. The Lady Crusaders can best sum up their season in Psalm 60:12, their team verse. It states, “Through God we shall do valiantly, for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.”
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