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Ambassadors shine through so-so volleyball season

In a battle against rival Warner Pacific College, Multnomah's gritty volleyball team almost pulled off a stunning upset in its final home game of the season.

The WPC Knights pummeled the Ambassadors in the first two matches with Warner's dominating front line sending spike after spike whizzing past the Ambassador's defense.

Refusing to quit, the Ambassadors turned the tide in the third match by repeatedly diving to the floor in spectacular digs. MBC's offense came alive, capitalizing on WPC's mistakes.

The Ambassadors won the third and fourth games, tying the showdown at two games apiece. MBC went into the fifth game with momentum.

Lytle Gymnasium's bleachers buzzed with excited parents and classmates. Spectators, many sporting rally caps and blue and white face paint, rose to their feet.

When the fifth game started, MBC fans began stomping on the bleachers, trying to push the Ambassadors over the top.

Despite the Ambassador's heroic comeback, the WPC players were too tall and powerful Oct. 10, winning the fifth set 15-6, sealing their victory.

Defeated but gracious, MBC players kept their heads high as they congratulated their opponents at center court. Then, in keeping with MBC tradition, the players lined up along the baseline to face the crowd and began clapping their hands in unison while singing "Mighty Warrior."

The game against WPC epitomized Multnomah's entire 8 and 9 season. The MBC women always played hard but often came up short in the end. "It was an up and down season," senior Koren Faust said. "We had a lot of talent, but the season didn't end the way we wanted."

For first-year MBC volleyball coach, Debbie Speer, winning does not rank as high as competitiveness and fun. "My favorite part is calling a time out and seeing smiles on my players' faces," Coach Speer said.

Coach Speer coached volleyball for four years at Damascus Christian High School before she replaced Bill Bedell as head volleyball coach at MBC. According to Coach Speer, her players initially struggled as they adjusted to her coaching style.

"Coach Speer's motivational style was different than Coach Bedell's," said Melody Barrera, co-captain, who finished her fourth season of varsity play this year. "But we all came to respect Coach Speer also."

The Ambassadors ended their roller coaster season finishing third place at the five-team regional tournament.

"We struggled mentally and didn't play to our potential at the tournament," Coach Speer said. "The girls were a little disappointed."

The team will lose captains Melody Barrera, Ro Potter, and senior Koren Faust to graduation. "The seniors led a lot by example," freshman Callie Fahsholz said.

Despite its record, the volleyball team demonstrated integrity and sportsmanship as the women used volleyball as an expression of faith.

"I've learned a lot about leadership and humility," co-captain Ro Potter said. "It is so much more rewarding to play for God than just myself."

According to MBC athletic director Chris Reese, Ambassador sportsmanship, including the singing of praise songs, is what makes MBC volleyball stand out from the rest.

"Many coaches tell me how much they love to play at MBC because the atmosphere is so positive," Coach Reese said. "From MBC fans to MBC players, it's good."