Cricket Wright
Staff Writer
Women’s Volleyball
The number 1 ranked Parkland Cobras stay on track this weekend improving to 25-1 with matches Sept. 19-21, 2014. They had a hard road to victory while facing the 18th ranked Muskegon team for the second time this season, but were able to leave with the win. The team was held by strong sophomore plays with Lori VanBeek and Teigan Flaws leading the way with kills and Kaitlyn Hunt leading the team with 24 digs. This was only the second time this season that the girls had to take the match to five sets to get the victory, but a win is a win and the women will take it. The team is looking at a tough future with the next 13 matches on the road and only 5 of those matches in the state of Illinois.
Men’s Soccer
The number 19 ranked, Parkland Men’s Soccer Team suffered their first loss of the season Sunday, Sept. 14, 2014. It came to the feet of Lewis and Clark. The game was close, but the team from Godfrey, Illinois was able to hold on top of a ranked opponent for the first time this season. The final score came out 1-0 in a game that sprung few chances for either team to take charge and run away.
Parkland had few scoring opportunities, which has actually been one of the downfalls this team has struggled with early this season. When they do get chances they very seldom let the opportunities slip. Their shot percentage is an impressive 1.58 (which is ninth best in the country as of Sept. 16, 2014). This loss knocked Parkland down to 20th in the national polls.
The Cobras fell short again Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014. They lost in Peoria to Illinois Central by a final score of 3-1. This was the second straight loss for the team that is ranked in the top 20 of the nation. This ranking will probably disappear before the next match. Parkland will take on Lincoln Land at home on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014 followed by another home game against Heartland which will be played on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014.
Women’s Soccer
Parkland Women’s Soccer lost their first game of the regular in the past week, on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014. This loss came right after the Cobras knocked off the 11th ranked Lewis and Clark. They took the heartbreaking loss to Heartland College that was upended by the Lewis and Clark team 5-0 (which was their worst loss of the young season). Parkland has had some very impressive wins this season including an 8-0 victory over the conference rival Lincoln and 8-2 victory against Waubonsee.
