MCKENZIE, Tenn. (11.06.09) - In the home finale, the Lady Wildcat volleyball team fell 3-1 (21-25, 28-26, 21-25 and 26-28) in a hotly contested match with the Lady Trojans of Trevecca Nazarene University. It was an emotional night as Bethel recognized their two outgoing seniors Michele Cunha and Abbey Masters, as well as Graduate Assistant Coach Leah White.
Trevecca was able to use their front line height to an advantage that kept Bethel to a .074 attack percentage. The Lady Trojans especially keyed on Thaise Vieira; T. Vieira had 12 kills but 11 errors on 44 attacks. She also had three service aces but two service errors. He sister Jessica Vieira had 13 kills, 8 errors on 35 attacks and two service aces. Abbey Masters led the team with 34 set assists, but struggled with 5 kills, 6 errors on 16 attacks. Michele Cunha led the team with 19 digs. Adrianna Bookout-Gonzalez had 10 kills, 5 errors on 37 attempts and three service aces.
But the night was also to honor the outgoing seniors.
Cunha has been a four year starter for the Lady Wildcats and is from Belo Horizonte, Brazil and will graduate in May with a degree in Biology. She has been chosen by her teammates as the captain of the team the past two seasons. For her career she has 2,500 digs and holds the school record with 891 in one season. She has been names TranSouth 2nd Team All-Conference and been a scholar athlete during her time at Bethel. Cunha has played in 1,389 sets during her career.
Maters has been a two year starter for the Lady Wildcat and is from Chino Hills, Cal. Maters is also a biology major. She also has been a captain for the last two years. Last season, Masters was named TranSouth 2nd Team All-Conference.
Coach Cupples also recognized the work of graduate assistant coach Leah White. White will graduate with Masters in Education in August. She came to Bethel from Bryan College where she was a Physical Education major.
Bethel plays their final match of the season on Thursday night in Owensboro, Ky. against Brescia University at 7:00pm. Bethel is 19-5 (9-5) and tied for third place in the TranSouth Conference with Union. Bethel's 19 wins are the most in the program's history. The Conference tournament begins on Monday, October 9, 2009 in Nashville, Tenn. at the host site, Trevecca Nazarene University. Bethel is the third seed and will play at 2:00pm on the 9th against Lyon College in the opening round.
