We’re only one month into the Pirates’ volleyball season and the team has already made a decisive impression! Here’s a quick recap of what you need to know about the team and their season so far.

Home Opener

As fans crowded the bleachers for the Pirates’ home opener on Thursday, September 4, the game began with a touching display of generosity from the Texas Lutheran Bulldogs as each Pirate was presented with a yellow flower to celebrate the life of teammate Kylie Intfen. 

Regarding the beginning of the season, Middle blocker Madison Ingram ‘27 stated, “Standing on the line before our first home game of the season, I felt so grateful to be surrounded by my teammates, friends, and family.” She continued, saying, “It felt amazing to be back in our gym, surrounded by so many people who make us feel supported.” As the team rallied around each other, their shared energy and determination pushed them to sweep the Bulldogs, bringing home the Pirates’ first win of the season on their home court. 

Highlights from the game include a combined 21 kills from middle blocker Kendall Jurgens ‘27 and right side hitter Emily Marks ‘26, with outside hitters Tatum Ahrens ‘29 and Chloe Blanchard ‘29 tallying 18 kills between them. Setter Annika Flora ‘26 had 33 assists.

Pirates vs Puget Sound Loggers

On Friday, September 5, the Pirates defeated Puget Sound for the second time this season. After dominating the first two sets, the final set ended with a nail-biting score of 29-27 as the Pirates battled to take down the Loggers in their second sweep of the invitational.

Emily Marks led the team with 14 kills and four  blocks, with Kendall Jurgens, Chloe Blanchard and Tatum Ahrens racking up a combined 26 kills and seven blocks. Annika Flora and libero Izzy Rodriguez ‘28 tallied a total of 28 combined digs. The team also collected five aces.

Pirates vs Illinois Wesleyan Titans

On the afternoon of Saturday, September 6, the Pirates took on the Illinois Wesleyan Titans, who are currently ranked 16th in the nation. Despite the Titans’ dominance and the team’s persistence, the Pirates ultimately lost in three sets. 

However, Emily Marks, Tatum Ahrens, Kendall Jurgens, and middle blocker Lily McWhorter ‘26 tallied 22 kills and four blocks between them. Izzy Rodriguez had 13 digs and Chloe Blanchard served the team’s only ace. 

The Pirates remained in good spirits about their performance and did not allow this loss to set them back. While on the road for the past two weeks, the Pirates have been on a six game winning streak! Over the past six games, the team has averaged 51 kills, seven aces, eight  blocks, 48 assists, and 56 digs. 

The team is looking to continue their winning streak as they return to their home court in October, cheered on by their fellow Pirates. “We know everyone has busy schedules, so when students take the time to show up, it means the world to us. It’s a powerful reflection of what makes the Southwestern community so special,” Emily Marks says, highlighting the team’s appreciation for the support they receive from the SU community. 

Lauren McIntyre told The Megaphone, “Student support means having classmates, friends, and the community showing up and cheering us on. It’s about feeling like we’re not just playing for ourselves, but for something bigger – our school and the people in it. It makes the whole experience more meaningful. When we have student support, it motivates me to play with more confidence and energy. It makes me want to give my best because I know parents, faculty, and students are behind us.” 

Annika Flora agrees, saying “Having greater student support directly affects the energy in the gym. It is always so helpful to have our fellow students cheering us on and making the Southwestern presence known in the gym. Personally, I am so proud to play for our school.”

The Pirates’ next home game is Wednesday, October 1st against Schreiner University. As of September 23, the Pirates are 10-2 (Win-Loss) overall, and are 3-0 in the SAA conference. After a successful and rewarding start to the season, more excitement is certainly on the horizon!