The Panthers started their Skyway season and home openers with an absolutely thrilling 3-2 upset victory over the No. 8 team in the NJCAA Division II level. Morton College had issues getting over the McHenry hurdle in years prior.
In fact, the last time the Panthers were victorious over McHenry was 2013 and second-year coach Steve Dowjtas couldn't be more proud of his confident team.
"That was a great match win for our program. McHenry is one of the best teams and programs in the country. We, as coaches, are beyond proud of the discipline and control the team put together last night. The first step is learning how to win against a big opponent, now it's time to take this program to the next level," said Dowjotas.
Having lost 11 straight prior to Thursday's matchup against No. 8 McHenry, the Panthers had the last 10 (losses) being a 3-0 sweep in their matches. There was plenty of strategy and focus that went into the victory.
"We had a great scouting report against McHenry and we matched up really well with our hitters against them. Our serving game constantly took them out of system which led to us taking away their big hitters," said Dowjotas.
Morton College found a way to keep the momentum in their second match during their Thursday doubleheader. Knocking off Waubonsee (25-16, 26-24, 25-20) after a monumental victory over McHenry (27-29, 25-18, 25-19, 25-27, 15-12) showed how far this program has come all in one night.
How they even had the energy to ball out for two matches was an impressive achievement. The crowd certainly helped energize the team, but grabbing a pair of Skyway victories could help them claim their first conference title since 1981!
"We've been working really hard to spread our offense and use all of our hitters. Last night was the best we have done so far and it showed in moments like that (great set to Bonner). McHenry has to be my favorite match so far. Our energy was amazing and we fought through the ups and downs of the game, overall a super fun game," said setter Elizabeth Southard.
Last night was so fun, everyone including the crowd were engaged throughout all 5 sets. These wins set the bar for Morton Volleyball, putting us on radar for the rest of the season. Dominating a team we haven't beat in about 18 years means we have so much more to show everyone we are THAT team to beat. We are coming for everyone in our conference.
"I enjoy the muse of pounding volleyballs to the ground...but to someone's face is a different type of muse, in the nicest way possible. Seeing the crowd go crazy and sit there in awe will forever be one of my favorite game moments. Steve's been having us work very hard inside and outside of practice, the hard work is paying off. It feels good making history for Morton," said outside hitter Trenyce Bonner.
The good times kept rolling in their victory over Waubonsee. They had been on the wrong side recently, having lost their last 14 straight matches against the Chiefs. Since 2010, there was only one set where we saw an edhe towards the Panthers.
Again, that is all in the past for this uber-talented Panther squad. Having a doubleheader certainly can test your depth. However, the team failed to show much exhaustion in the doubleheader sweep and found ways to battle adversity and make the best of their opportunity at home.
"Yes, the team was definitely gassed after that high intensity five-set match, but our conditioning and strength level really helped us find a way to get through the Waubonsee match," said Dowjotas.
Several players stepped their games up and dominated in spurts against some of the best competition the NJCAA level has to offer. Trenyce Bonner had nine digs, 14 kills, three blocks, and one momentum shifting play in the third set over McHenry.
Bonner had nearly put the opposition into an oblivion with a devastating spike that seemed to give the squad the swagger and edge needed to pull off the upset.
"Nyce is a killer. Talk about athleticism. Everyone in the gym went silent. It was an impressive swing. But it started with a great pass and a great ball set by Lizzie," said Dowjotas on the spike heard around the world.
The overall athleticism was on full display and Morton College picked up two monumental Skyway victories that could go a long way.
"This team is extremely exciting to watch. We have the athleticism to compete at the highest level and the ball control to help control the matches. Excited to see where we go from now on," said Dowjotas.
Next up for the Panthers will be a pair of tri-matches in the state of Florida. A weekend off to enjoy Labor Day weekend will give the team some time to get healthy and recharge the batteries after a thrilling Thursday night performance.
"This time off comes at a great time. It gives the long lasting injured a few more days to get back and the everyday players time to heal their bodies before we go to Florida," said Dowjotas.
After their upcoming trip to Florida, the Panthers will continue Skyway competition at home against College of Lake County (9/14). Be sure to catch the Panthers live in person to continue their winning ways.
"We are in a great position now to compete for the conference championship! We are looking forward to adding 2022 to the banner in the gymnasium," said Dowjotas.
Be sure to check back on GoMCPanthers.com for more and follow us on Twitter and Facebook as well throughout the exciting, record-breaking season.
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