Oct. 18, 2011

Box Score

BRONX, N.Y. - First the Lehman Athletics department recognized the contributions of three outstanding senior women's volleyball players. 

Then the Lightning went out and handled its business in workmanlike fashion, topping a Brooklyn College team that entered the night 5-1 in conference play in straight sets, 3-0 (25-14, 25-15, 25-17).

With the victory, Lehman now stands in third place in the City University of New York Athletic Conference with one additional conference match to play against John Jay on October 25.

The Lightning was led by another strong game on the attacking end from Shari Quiles as she set an early tone with six of her eight kills in the first set.  Senior Gerri-Ann Martin, one of the night's honorees, also recorded eight kills and was particularly outstanding from the service line with seven aces.  Setter Jasmine Bermudez recorded 23 assists.

Prior to the start of the match Martin, Bermudez and Jennifer Winkler were honored for the hard work and dedication they have shown to the Lightning volleyball program over the course of the season, and in the case of Martin and Winkler, over the course of the last four years.

Joining the Lightning following a standout high school career at nearby John F. Kennedy High School, Martin has been everything the Lightning could have hoped for and more.  Through her first three seasons she has consistently ranked near the top of CUNYAC in kills while earning Rookie of the Year honors as a freshman and back-to-back CUNYAC First Team All-Star nods as a sophomore and junior. 

“Gerri-Ann Martin has been a difference maker in every game she has played,” said Lighting head coach Wolfgang Lucena.  “When she steps on the court, everything changes for the good.”

Winkler, another four year player for the Lightning, has seen her steady ascent as a player continue into the 2011 season.  Able to play anywhere on the court, Winkler was moved to outside hitter – at her request – after spending last season as the team's main libero, and has played more than capably at the position, a testament to her incredible work ethic and drive to win.

“Jennifer wants to win so badly and she is willing to play any position to make that happen,” noted Lucena.  “She has been a role model for her teammates.  She always wants to go harder in practice and everything she does is for the purpose of improving her game.  That's why she's my captain.”

Bermudez, a team manager last year before stepping into the starting lineup this season as the Lightning's setter, has been the perfect conduit on the floor between the coaching staff and the players.  Having played volleyball from an early age, her experience around the game is more than evident when she is out on the court and creating easy opportunities for her teammates.

“When Jasmine is on the court, the coaching staff doesn't have to do much because she controls the whole game,” said Lucena.  “The chemistry she brings to the team, her volleyball IQ and of course her level of play makes her one of the best setters in CUNY.”

With their college careers nearly complete, there isn't much else in terms of personal accomplishments for the trio.  One thing that remains?  A CUNYAC Championship. 

Lightning fans know that the three will leave it all out on the court trying to bring one home.