2003  LADYKNIGHTS
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At the 1968 Olympics, a marathon runner, John Stephen Akhwari from the country of Tanzania, was injured in a fall early in the race eliminating him from any possibility of being competitive.  An hour after the marathon's winner won the 26.2 mile race, Akhwari limped across the finish line.  Asked why he didn't just quit, he said, "My country did not send me 7,000 miles to start the race.  My country sent me to finish.
UCONN junior, Morgan Valley suffered through many injuries during the 2002-03 season and played in pain.  She played only 10 minutes per game at most.  Even though her injuries limited her ability she was a starter for most of the season.  When asked why she goes through the physical therapy, the practices and the pain for just a few minutes a game, Morgan Valley replied;
What keeps me going is the name (UCONN ) across my jersey."
                          2003 TEAM DEFEATS ALUMNI 3-1

In our first annual Alumni Game, the 2003 varsity team won easily over the alumni which included Jena Nadro, Marianna Capomolla, Lesley Ferrara, Jessica Plank, Karesia Batan and Ali Brander.  The Alumni played on teams their junior and senior years which had a record of 40 wins and 8 losses.  Their greatness remains in our memories if not on the court.  For the varsity Middle Blocker Stacy Lowe dominated and outside hitter Melissa Giordano had an outstanding game, both playing for the last time in those positions. Rookie hitter Caitlin Smolewski had two attempts and was dragged off the court.   Eleni Spanditos had a good day setting, Mallory claimed "at least 50% of the Nadro's played well today."  Sophia Capomolla served to the Alumni weak spot, Marianna Capomolla.  Stefanie Ankle blocked and humiliated the "oldtimers", while Lisa Broom hit a few where they weren't.  Laura Scalise who used to dominate Lesley in practice had a good game and left early saying "it was too easy I was bored."   The oldtimers claimed their rustiness and the fact that they had to study Friday night into the early morning hours of Saturday was why they lost the match.  Erica Tannon player/coach/scorekeeper was frustrated with her team's lack of coverage and even gave pointers to alumni hitter Capomolla.  The alumni did show flashes of 2000 and 2001 but demonstrated college life is not conducive to conditioning.  Thanks for coming back!


Thanks to Liberty and Ashley for helping out doing lines.