LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. (October 25, 2008) – One of the longest running shows this side of Broadway is down to its final act. (VIEW SPECIAL PHOTO GALLERY)
The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania volleyball senior triumvirate of health science major Donneisha Smith (Milwaukee, WI/Harold S. Vincent) (Milwaukee, WI/Harold S. Vincent), mass communications major Jordean Matthews (Pleasantville, NJ/Pleasantville) (Pleasantville, NJ/Pleasantville) and health science major Lindsey Wilson (Aliquippa, PA/Aliquippa) (Aliquippa, PA/Aliquippa) will make their final curtain call in front of the home fans Wednesday evening when the Lady Lions (7-19 overall) host West Chester University (19-6) beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Smith, Matthews and Wilson have produced some great memories, been a part of some outstanding moments, rang up some impressive numbers and most of all, developed from unsure freshmen into mature young women during their Lincoln careers. The three seniors will be formally recognized for their effort and dedication on Saturday during halftime of the football game between Lincoln and Saint Paul's.
They have combined for 1764 digs, 1194 kills, 511 service aces and 196 assists in 876 games. Individually, each student-athlete is gifted, but collectively, they were a sight to behold especially when they were all clicking. However, each player has left their mark as the volleyball program continues to move forward.
Among some of the highlights they were together for on the court included defeating their first CIAA opponent in Saint Paul's College in September, participating in the SUNY-Old Westbury tournament in which Smith earned MVP honors two consecutive years and being the first athletics team to compete as a Division II member.
Wilson is finishing her career with a flourish. She has posted consecutive double-digit kill games, collecting 10 against Virginia Union and 11 against Saint Paul's in less than 24 hours. Wilson is second on the team with 126 kills and service aces with 47. The kills are a career-high for Wilson.
Matthews sparkled at providing a little of everything for Lincoln. Her versatility was impressive as she has 367 career kills, 176 aces, 588 digs and 192 blocks. This season, Matthews leads the Lady Lions with 49 blocks and she is tied with Smith for second on the team in digs.
Smith leads the Lady Lions in kills with 144. Over the last two years, Smith has had 11 games with double-digit kills, including a double-double of 12 kills and 14 digs this year at Virginia Union. During a quad-match last year against Roanoke Bible, Washington Bible and Christendom, Smith's complete power was on display as she finished the afternoon with 56 kills.
During the summer, each student-athlete made a strong impression while working with others. Matthews worked at Camp Joy. Smith was a tutor/counselor for the Lincoln Upward Bound program. Wilson volunteered at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. They are active on campus with Matthews being the sports editor of the Lincolnian and president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Smith is a member of the Ziana Fashion Club.
For four years, Smith, Matthews and Wilson have shared the court, laughed, sweated, battled, burned the midnight oil, spent plenty of time in the training room and took many long van trips. Although, Lincoln finishes with a pair of relatively close road matches at Goldey Beacom (Nov. 4) and West Chester (Nov. 5), this will be the last opportunity to witness a threesome like no other.
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