Lindsey Chavers
Published: November 8, 2006
The PJC volleyball team ended the season with a heartbreaking elimination from the state tournament Nov. 2 to 4 in Winter Haven.
In the first game of the tournament, the Lady Pirates lost to the Lady Hawks of Hillsborough Community College, 30-21, 30-19 and 30-16.
“We seemed sluggish and tentative and that surprised me,” said Head Coach Pete Pena, with obvious disappointment. “If you’re sluggish, it affects everything.”
The next day, PJC had a second, and final, chance to redeem themselves in a match against St. Petersburg College.
The game started promising. The Lady Pirates took the lead early, but were unable to hold it. SPC jumped ahead and stayed there for the remainder of the games.
They knew it was over. At 29-13 (SPC) in the final game, Coach Pena called a timeout and hugged every girl, many already in tears.
“We played well and very hard. It’s frustrating, but it wasn’t from a lack of effort,” said Pena. “I don’t think my kids could have given me more. I will never forget these girls.”
The record-breaking season for the 10 volleyball players had ended.
They were the first team from PJC to go 5-0 against Gulf Coast Community College, and set a new record for the most wins in a season.
“We’ve had a really great season,” said Margo Yates, sophomore team member. “I’m just happy to be a part of this team because we’re all so close.”
And close they are. Two of the players decided to dress up as the coaches for the Halloween trip to Winter Haven.
Ashley Williams, freshman, donned a wig and outfit to look like Coach Pena, while Chelsey Adams, sophomore, matched tattoos with Coach Beckstrom.
“I always come up with random stuff,” said Williams about the situation. “They loved it. They laughed and that was the point.”
“It was very creative on their part,” Pena said. “They are a very interesting group. We have teased each other all year long.”
Teasing and joking have helped them get through a relatively tough year, full of injures, and some losses. It has also given them stronger bonds.
“These have been the best two years of my life,” said sophomore Heather Riley holding back tears. “It’s sad to say goodbye, but all good things must come to an end.”