Team Finishes Season

It’s often said the only way to judge a team’s performance is by wins and losses. Following Monday night’s loss to Rend Lake, the Lady Lynx ended their season with a losing record of 11-30. In the case of Lincoln College volleyball, one must look deeper in order to offer a fair judgment.

Their win and loss record doesn’t have a place for losing a key player to a devastating illness.

“To be honest, when I was looking ahead, I thought we’d be 30-11,” said LC volleyball coach Mark Tippett. “The loss of Mackenzie Clark in midseason was really devastating. From an emotional standpoint for sure, and from a volleyball perspective, it took our setter out of the loop. Losing the centerpiece of our offense was really a big blow. It slowed down our offense. Mackenzie was so consistent with her setting.”

Clark, one of eight returning sophomores and the only setter listed on the roster, was lost for the season following a September 27th game against Lincoln Christian College. After complaining of “just not feeling well” according to Tippett, Clark was found to have a form of leukemia.

“We had to replace Mackenzie with Beth Applen. Beth was our lebaro, and when we had to move her, we lost one of our most consistent passers,” said Tippett. “So, in a lot of ways, we were starting from scratch in the middle of September. At this level, that really makes it hard to compete.”

Aside from Clark, the Lady Lynx were also without the presence of top hitter Chelsea Faith for periods of time with a severe ankle sprain.

“Chelsea didn’t get to do as much this year as she would have with Mackenzie, and with her ankle,” said Tippett. “She really came on strong at the end of the year, though. Against Rend Lake, she really had some big kills.”

Faith and Clark are just two members of a sophomore class that Tippett spoke remarkably highly of.

“Definitely this sophomore group has been one of the best groups I’ve had to work with,” said Tippett. “They were a major part of the success we had last year, where we won 20 games for the first time in about a decade.”

“The team last year was a more complete team, where we had players who were more suited for their positions. This team, due to the injuries wasn’t able to function most night. But they battled through, and always gave it their best effort. I was especially proud of the way we finished Monday night.”

The Lady Lynx lost to Rend Lake in four games, 27-30, 30-20, 21-30, 29-31. Faith led the Lady Lynx with 12 kills, 8 digs, and 13 service points. Erica Lill finished with 8 kills, and 4 blocks. Danielle Crum also 9 kills, and 3 blocks. Applen had 28 set assists, and 15 service points.

“ I was really proud of the way we played Rend Lake,” said Tippett. “We were the 11 seed playing against the number 6 seed, and we gave them all that they could handle.”

“The girls really came together and played as a team I felt. That was great to see because we haven’t done that for awhile. We passed the ball extremely well, which gave our offense a chance to work. That hasn’t been there for a long time.”

Tippett also felt his squad received one last assist from their stricken setter on Monday: Clark was in attendance for the team’s final game.

“ We’re so glad that Mackenzie is recovering,” said Tippett. “It was great to see her at Rend Lake. She looked really good, and it was just very uplifting to see her, and hear her supporting us.”

Despite the disappointment from this season, Tippett expressed reason for optimism for next year’s squad, based on what he gathered from his team’s trio of key freshman this season.

“I was very pleased with Lacey Guillaume’s passing. She’s looking to be our starting lebaro next year,” said Tippett. “Her passing was consistent, and her defensive intensity was just outstanding.”

“Katherine Cessna could be a starter at either right side or middle, depending on how recruiting goes. Her flexibility was crucial to this year. I expect big things from her next year.”

“And, Emily Carter really gained some valuable experience. She saw a lot of playing time with our injuries. She saw a lot of court time, and really improved over the course of the year.”

Recruiting is another key to next year’s success, according to Tippett.

“We’re going to need to have a big recruiting class next year. We’re replacing just about everyone,” said Tippett. “I am definitely going to be beating around the bushes looking for some people who can help us. I’m going to start with a quality setter hopefully, and build around that. I feel good about the feedback I’m getting so far.”

As for Clark’s progress, Tippett has received encouraging news. The coach also encourages anyone interested in donating to Clark’s medical fund, to contact the Lincoln College athletic department.

“Mackenzie is back at home. She goes to Springfield once a week for treatments, which are going very well. She’s progressing in a positive way. There’s a major benefit for her in Benton, her hometown, on November 19th. We’re still trying to raise money to contribute to that. We’ve done three different fundraisers here, and we’re still accepting any form of donation.”

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