CLINTON, Miss. --- The Mississippi College volleyball team concludes the 2015 season this weekend when it hosts Lee University on Friday, Nov. 13 and follows against Shorter University on Saturday, Nov. 14.
Saturday also features Senior Day for the Lady Choctaws' program as the squad will honor its two seniors;
Arielle Laurent and
Caitlyn Arender prior to the match.
"We couldn't be more appreciative of the work and service that Arielle and Caitlyn have given to our program over the past four years. Looking back over their past few years and experiences here, I do believe we are a better program because of the time they spent with us. It is good to have seen them grow," said head coach
Peter Cosmiano. "Both of them have left their mark on our program. Both of them have come in and served our program well. We wish them the best of luck. We believe they are going to go out and make a difference in people's lives. They are going to go out and meet people and lead through faith, because you will know what they stand for right off the bat. That is something that is inherit within them and they have stuck to that through their careers here."
Laurent has played in 144 sets and totaled 222 kills, 48 digs and 52 blocks. She recorded a career-high 14 kills in 2013 at Huntingdon College and followed with career marks in digs and total blocks vs. Howard Payne with five digs and six total blocks. This past weekend, the Memphis, Tenn., product gathered a season-high seven kills at Alabama-Huntsville. During her time in Clinton, she's been involved with Lighthouse Ministries, SAAC, FCA, Teacher Education Program, Princess Chronicles. Laurent is set to graduate in May 2017 with a degree in Secondary Education. Upon graduation is plans to pursue a job in teaching and coaching in Clinton.
"I want to thank you to God for this amazing opportunity he has given me. Thank you to all of my friends and family that have come from all over to watch me play one last time as a colligate athlete," said Laurent. "Saturday's game is dedicated to God & my god-mother, who is my guardian angel who passed away last November. Thanks to the little brown man, Coach Cosmiano, who answered my email four years ago."
Arender has worked diligently with the Lady Choctaws this season as the Strength and Conditioning Intern following three seasons as member of the Navy and Gold. During her time at MC, she has been involved with FCA Leadership. A vital part of the MC volleyball team, the Pearl, Miss., native looks to graduate in the Spring of 2017 with a degree Elementary Education. She plans to pursue a job in teaching and coaching.
"One of the most rewarding things I got from the MC volleyball team is the relationships I've gained and how they have helped shape me," said Arender. "Taking on a new role this year has been an awesome experience. I've learned a lot on character. Heywood Broun was quoted by saying, 'Sports don't build character. They reveal it,' and I firmly believe that from being a part of this program."
Match time Friday is slated for 5 p.m. while Saturday's Senior Day start is marked for Noon.
