Junior Megan Branchick didn’t let her nerves stop her from playing hard on the national stage.
Point Park entered the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Volleyball National Championship Opening Round for the third time in five years on Nov. 21.
This season, the team went as runner-ups from the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) Tournament finals.
In the opening round, the Pioneers played Georgetown for the second year in a row, coming up short, yet again.
Georgetown took the win 3-0 with scores of 25- 20, 25-15 and 25-19.
Branchick believes the team ended on a strong note considering the rocky start of the season.
“I really wish we could have been the first team in PPU history to make it past the first round.” Branchick said.
Branchick led the team this season with 407 total kills, gaining just 10 against Georgetown. Also adding up to double-digits, senior Isabella Vavrek managed 10 kills and 10 digs for a season total of 270 kills and 395 digs—a team high.
Shiloh Simonson led Point Park in defense with 10 digs, with nine from Paige Baker. Even with the 13 assists Madison Weldon racked up, the team still could not get a win against Georgtown.
Vavrek was still happy to be at the championship, though.
“I was really relieved and happy that I was able to experience nationals again especially since it was my senior year.” Vavrek said.
The final record for the Pioneers was 17-24 overall and 9-3 for the KIAC.
The start of the season was tough for Point Park’s volleyball team, losing the first eight games. Fortunately, the Pioneers were able to get back on track.
“Of course I was nervous,” Branchick said. “But I also wanted to get out there and play my hardest.”
This season brought the volleyball coach his 250th win at Point Park. Coach Mike Bruno has been with the Pioneers for 11 years and has a 264-167 record.
Vavrek said Bruno always gave advice before each game.
“Coach Bruno gave us a very motivational speech to us before the game,” Vavrek said. “Basically pepping us up for what was to come and how we have been through a rough time this year and to look back at where we have came from and really just win it all.”
The Pioneers will be back next year, and Vavrek said she is excited to see what’s in store.
“I’m really proud and happy with my four years here at Point Park,” Vavrek said.
