LCC's Sophomore Night held Thursday
Lenoir Community College volleyball players Toree Marak, left, and Emily Newsome were honored at Thursday’s Sophomore Night. Standing next to Marak are her parents, Janeil and Paul Marak, and next to Newsome are her parents, Cyndy and Jack Newsome. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News
By Junious Smith III
Lenoir Community College took the time Thursday to honor a pair of sophomores who stepped as leaders this season.
Toree Marak and Emily Newsome were recognized during the Lancers’ annual Sophomore Night, held at the final home game of the regular season. Newsome was unable to play due to a concussion, but said the season has been a memorable one.
“The team go along really well, even when we struggled early,” Newsome said. “With female sports, sometimes you can have drama, but we didn’t have that — we had a great time even when we were losing.”
The Lancers (9-12, 3-9 Region X) started the season 5-9, but picked up wins in four of their next six games before falling to Wake Tech (17-5, 10-3) 25-23, 25-20, 27-25. In a tightly contested match, there were 34 ties and 14 lead changes throughout.
“We’re getting better every game,” LCC coach Lee Avery said. “We definitely missed Emily, so we had girls in different position in this one, but they played hard and we continued to fight.”
Avery had high praise for his sophomores.
“Emily came to the team by chance,” Avery said. “She was playing in a beach league my club runs and I was able to convince her to come in. She’s been a good addition and brought in some great leadership.
“Toree was the only returning player from last year and always gave the team great minutes when she’s in the rotation. She’s a good player and both will be missed next year.”
Marak said she hopes the team continues to build in 2020.
“I’ve definitely enjoyed this season,” Marak said. “Hopefully, the team will keep working when it comes to keeping leads and feeling comfortable working with each other.”
LCC has two games Saturday in Charlotte, participating in a tri-match with Johnson & Wales and Mid-Atlantic Christian to end the regular season.
