WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Volleyball team sent their sophomores out in style Monday night, finishing the regular season with a straight set win over East Central College.
The Grizzlies, now 24-5 on the season and No. 5 in the latest NJCAA poll, defeated the Falcons 25-4, 25-14, 25-16 in Joe Paul Evans Arena at the West Plains Civic Center. With the win, the Grizzlies finish the Missouri Community College Athletic Conference (MCCAC) season undefeated.
Players, coaches and fans also took a moment prior to Monday’s contest to recognize five sophomores for their contributions to the team during the past two seasons. They include Manuela Bibinbe, Yaounde, Cameroon; Raina Forstrom, Cuba; Cecilia Westfall, Ozark; Angelina Hardison, Houston, Texas; and Lauren Weber, Nixa.
“It was such a great night celebrating our sophomores,” Wiedemann said. “They have created some special moments together, have been such great teammates and leaders, and have poured a lot of love and work into being a Grizzly. I’m so proud of them for who they are on and off the court!”
The sophomores also shared some thoughts of their time as Grizzlies.
Bibinbe, who plans to pursue a business accounting degree and would like to continue playing at another college, said last year’s come-from-behind victory over Indian Hills Community College in districts is one of her favorite memories. She’s also thankful to the coaches and community for helping her believe in her dreams and making her feel at home.
“I encourage my teammates to keep the team’s spirits high now and moving forward. Respect is the first key, and a team where all players matter is the best kind of team,” she said.
Forstrom, a nursing major who also hopes to continue playing at another college, said the relationships she built with her teammates has been the highlight of her time here. “Becoming as close as I am with everyone of may teammates and pushing through the struggles together will be in my heart forever,” she said.
“I encourage all my younger teammates to push through the tough days, no matter what they bring, because light is always at the end of the tunnel,” she added.
Westfall, who plans to pursue a degree in elementary education and wants to continue her collegiate playing career, said the Grizzlies’ victory over Iowa Western Community College this past weekend is her favorite memory. “It was a big goal for us, and we have worked really hard for it,” she said. “It felt nice to have all that work pay off and make the coaches and ourselves proud.”
She also thanked the coaches and the community for their contributions to her experience at MSU-WP. “Thank you, coaches, for helping me mature and grow into the volleyball player and person I want to be. Thank you for taking care of us and providing us with everything we need to be successful. And, thank you to the fans and supporters of MSU-WP, because you guys are the reason we can do what we love. Y’all make this place so special!”
Hardison plans to become a dental hygienist and will visit other colleges after the season to continue her playing career. Her favorite memories include the pre-season float trip taken by the team and the Iowa Western win this past weekend.
She thanked her teammates for the “friendships, laughs and good times,” the coaches for “all the valuable lessons, support and helping me improve my skills and grow as a player,” and the community for its “continuous support.”
Weber also has plans to continue her collegiate playing career and said the Indian Hills victory in districts last season was among her favorite memories as a Grizzly.
She also offered several words of thanks for her experiences with the team. “Thank you for being great teammates and for the memories and laughs throughout the season. Thank you to the coaches for pushing us to work hard each day and for teaching us all many life lessons. And lastly, thank you to the community here in West Plains. The support is amazing from you all, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.”
As for some final words of advice to her teammates, Weber said, “moving forward into postseason, remember to always keep working hard. At this point, it is anyone’s game. Keep showing up and playing for each other.”
Wiedemann said the sophomores’ comments show just how special this year’s Grizzly team is.
“Good teams don’t just happen. It takes a lot of discipline, a lot of giving of yourself to others, and a lot of time, effort and energy. And great teams figure out how to make things happen rather than waiting to see if it will happen,” Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paula Wiedemann said.
“This group has poured themselves into this program, and we are thankful for the love, trust, respect and gratitude they display each and every day. I love how much they love each other, and that’s what make this such a special group,” she added.
The Grizzlies’ postseason begins this weekend at the Region 16 Championship Tournament in Park Hills. As the No. 1 seed, the Grizzlies will face the winner of Friday’s semifinal game between the hosting Mineral Area College Cardinals and the Jefferson College Vikings. The championship game is set for noon Saturday in Park Hills.
For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball team, visit its website at msuwpgrizzlies.com/sports/wvball/index.