Piedmont sports are a great tradition on campus, garner much attention and expectation by students and fans alike. This Fall conference season however offered some disappointment against great competition.
Volleyball
The Lady Lions volleyball team, after earning the 6th seed in CCS tournament, fell to Covenant in the first round three sets to none. This season was filled with ups and downs but had some showcases from seniors and freshman alike.
The Lady Lions Volleyball squad were hit with some shaking news early into their season. Longtime coach Jaime McCormack announced she would be leaving the team. The team and athletic department looked in several avenues and landed on Sav Roy to lead the Lions. The season was led on the court by Katie Hubbard who tallied 230 kills leading the team in that category.
Two seniors also were huge boosts to the Lions as Vannessa Manzo and Jessica Sconyers. Manzo and Hubbard created a lockdown duo as Manzo totaled 612 assists and Sconyers continued being a great rotation player and added staunch net defense securing 35 blocks through the season and contributed offensively as she finished second on the team in kills. While the upperclassmen led the way they were accompanied by some young pieces that will be set up to lead going into next season.
Both Mary Brit Tallevast and Natalie Adams-Mullis had breakout freshman seasons for the Lions. Adamas-Mullis led the team in digs at 316 after she stepped into the libero role towards the start of the season and thrived. Tallevast emerged as a possible great pairing with Hubbard as she was third on the team in kills with 136.
The Lions appear to be set up well for the future with several young players already training for next season.
Men’s Soccer
The Lions’ 2024 season came to close in a similar fashion to their 2023 season as they exited the in first round after a defeat at the hands of new CCS contender the Asbury Eagles. But much like last season there is still much to look forward to going into next season.
Davis Knight was a freshman sensation in the 2023 season, and he picked up right where he left off in the 2024 campaign. The reigning CCS rookie of the year continued to storm the conference upping his total points by two from his freshman season earning 26 overall. Davis also earned three game winning goals this season showing how much a difference maker he is for the Lions.
With many seniors departing from the team this season. One piece that will sorely be missed will be captain midfielder Jason Aussin. Aussin was a presence in the midfield his entire time at Piedmont University and showed great game management skills on the field. The senior earned 17 goals this season, marking a career high and toppling his previous record of 15 set in his sophomore year. Aussin also led the team in shot on goal percentage among qualified players with a .528 percentage and was second on the team in overall points.
The team also brought home multiple all conference team selections. Knight earned all CCS first team while Aussin, Grant and Vogel found their way onto the second team squad.
Although the Lions have their departing seniors leaving a void in the lineup the roster is deep, and the core is strong as Knight, Vogel and Grant are all expected to return to the team next year.
Women’s Soccer
The Lady Lions coming into this season feeling better than ever, but as the season wore on, they were given test after test but remained dominant. Unfortunately, the Lady Lions’ dreams were dashed at home after a heartbreaker against Belhaven. The Lady Lions had standout upperclassmen but also were helped by key freshmen.
Very early into the season head coach Timmy McCormack showed full faith in his freshman class. Kylin Rothwell found herself in the mid and backfield for much of the season where she excelled. Paired with senior Sophie Wells they made a dynamic defensive duo that helped contribute to opponents scoring only 25 goals against the Lady Lions. Rothwell was also able to keep a clean sheet all season not earning a single card from the officials.
A freshman who found herself in a rather unique position this season was Madison Johnson. After the Lady Lions lost Hailey Dornan to a leg injury taking away her senior season they looked to Maggie Leger who herself was rock solid, but after suffering a hand injury against WashU. The Lady Lions looked to Johnson to fill in out of position until a replacement could be arranged, Johnson played two games in net and helped contribute to a needed conference win over Belhaven in the regular season.
The Lady Lions also landed two players onto the All-CCS First Team with Wells and Sierra Judson earning the honors, and after another great season, Paige Kluba earned All-CCS Second Team honors.
While the Lady Lions did not accomplish their ultimate goal they once again had a great season proving to be one of the most consistent sports on the Piedmont Campus.
