The University of the District of Columbia Women’s Volleyball Team Disposes of Local Rival Bowie State on Senior Night in Three Sets

Washington, DC – The University of the District of Columbia made quick work against the visiting Bowie State Bulldogs in front of a spirited home crowd in the District of Columbia Gym.  The Firebirds honored senior middle hitter/ outside hitter Mirella Nunez (Sao' Paulo, Brazil - Colegio Augusto Laranja) and setter/ right side Grace DeMichelis (Aurora, CO – Overland HS) between the second and third sets as part of the Senior Night festivities.  Head Coach Sheila Weaver, Director of Athletics Patricia Thomas, and Assistant Coach Cornelius McFerson greeted the seniors at midcourt to thank them for their dedication to the District of Columbia Volleyball Program.

The Firebirds opened up the scoring against the visiting bulldogs and never looked back, winning the first set 25-12.  The second set was more closely contested but with the same result, as District of Columbia pulled away 25-18.  In the third set, the Firebirds jumped all over the Bulldogs, taking an early 14-3 lead.  The Firebirds proved to be too much for Bowie State on Senior Night, closing out the third set 25-15 and winning 3-0 overall.

The seniors shined bright on the night that they were honored as DeMichelis registered 12 kills and 7 digs while Nunes tallied 12 kills, 3 serve aces, and 8 digs.  The Firebirds were shorthanded without a few key players, but the rest of the team rallied for the seniors, and the match was never really in question.  Junior outside hitter/ middle back Vanessa Garley (Rio Rancho, NM – Rio Rancho HS) had 11 kills and 5 digs while Freshman Kamene Rose (Chula Vista, CA – Hilltop HS) had 36 assists, 6 digs, and 2 kills.

Head Coach Sheila Weaver had this to say about the Firebirds victory on Senior Night, "We played for the seniors tonight.  I am happy that we were able to put together a complete game."  She continued to talk about seniors Mirella Nunes and Grace DeMichelis, "Mirella works hard every day in practice, and her leadership on and off the court sets the standard for others on the team to follow.  Gracie is an outstanding player whos athleticism and versatility have been instrumental to the team this year." 

The Firebirds return to action on Wednesday night at home at 7:00 PM against ECC foe Bridgeport in the Dink Pink game for breast cancer awareness.