by Sean Parrish
Haskell Indian Nations University Women’s Volleyball (17-22) were one of the four teams that were chosen to participate in the 2017 Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I) conference this season. The other three teams were:
- Kentucky Christian University; Knights (31-12)
- Lincoln Christian University; Lions (19-21)
- College of the Ozarks; Bobcats (32-6)
During the game Haskell was led by Alliyah richards(Oglala Lakota/Northern Ute) with 17 kills, hitting .369, also posting 1 dig and 1 block. Following her was Krista Costa(Crow) with 12 kills, 24 digs, and 4 blocks. Shayla Yazzie(Diné) with 14 digs and Sophia Honahni(Hopi/Diné) with 13 digs, and Randi Romero(Laguna-Pueblo) with 41 assists, 1 service ace, and 9 digs.
Sadly, Haskell lost in four sets to the Lions (25-20, 20-25, 22-25, and 17-25)
- Haskell concluded the game with 47 kills, 44 assists, and 79 digs.
- LCU had 51 kills, 43 assists, and 69 digs.
Sydney Dray, when asked about the A.I.I. conference and her overall volleyball season personal experience, stated that “The conference went really well we played really good as a team, we played like a family. We played our hearts out but fell short when going into the finals. I received the Champions of Character Award, which is an award about having sportsmanship, always being positive, and never giving up.” She concluded in saying “This was my first semester playing and the season went by fast because it was so fun playing the game that I love. I can’t wait until next season!”
Krista Costa, Allieyah Richards, and Randi Romero were selected for the 2017 A.I.I Volleyball All-Tournament Team.
Congratulations to all the Ladies who dedicated their time and effort this season to the game they love most.
Keep up the good work! Onward Haskell!!
