Message from Assistant Director of Sports Information Trevor Wenners: Interested in reliving some of the best games at LaGrange College? We are going back and exploring some of the most jaw-dropping wins in Panther history.
Coaches always have fond memories of their first win.
What makes that accomplishment even sweeter is if it comes on their first try.
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For LaGrange College indoor and beach volleyball head coach Madison Machurek, that special moment took place on Sept. 1, 2017.
The Panthers faced a 2-0 deficit against the University of Dallas at the Millsaps Invitational in Jackson, Mississippi. Machurek, who always preaches the importance of mental toughness and staying the course, watched her team fight through adversity and win three-straight sets during a 3-2 triumph.
Machurek recalls the specifics like it happened yesterday.
"Our first win in 2017 was during our first match in our preseason tournament at Millsaps College," said Machurek. "This big win had major momentum shifts. With our backs against the wall, we began to play explosive volleyball. Our women performed under a great deal of pressure."
Emily Arnold, who went on to earn USA South West Division first team honors in 2017, finished with a match-high 17 kills and a team-best six total blocks.
Lauren Sanders recorded a match-high 26 assists and eight digs, while Jazzlyn Kenner tallied 11 kills.
"This was the first time that I witnessed the group taste the results of team cohesiveness and self-confidence," said Machurek. "The team fought to the end. This match was one I will never forget. It was a great battle."
The University of Dallas won the first two sets by scores of 25-18 and 25-22, respectively. The Panthers won the final three sets, 25-21, 25-22 and 15-7.
"It was an exhilarating win," said Arnold. "It proved to us that we could trust coach Machurek to lead us to be a championship-level team. We were proud to play for her."
Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lagrange.edu.
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