Tyler Stabile I The BG News
After a fall season of growing pains and an unfamiliarity playing together, the womens volleyball team continues to improve.
With seven freshmen on the roster, the team had trouble closing out games and creating wins as a result of inexperience and a lack of mental toughness, said left side hitter Lindsey Butterfield.
However, following the 8-24 (2-14 Mid-American Conference) season, they showed significant development in the spring.
The team traveled to a tournament at Loyola in April and was competitive throughout. They went 5-4 and were able to come back from a five-point deficit to beat Milwaukee 26-24.
Head Coach Denise Van De Walle commented on the team’s success after the tournament.
“Everyone played some, we played really good competition, and found a way to finish sets by the end of the day … we learned a lot today,” Van De Walle said. “The more we play, the better we are getting.”
The team then hosted its annual Spring Fling tournament toward the end of April, winning six of eight sets.
“The lineup has changed significantly. We had a lot of freshman come in and play, just getting used to playing with each other was a big thing,” said setter Laura Avila. “There’s been a huge improvement just from fall to spring.”
Players have been working over the summer on strength and conditioning and participating in open gyms, according to co-captain Emily Kauth.
It is especially important for players to maintain their conditioning over the summer because they must immediately pass a fitness test when reporting for preseason Aug. 8. The test involves a mile and a half run, along with a series of sprints called the Falcon Gauntlet, Avila said.
The preseason lasts two weeks, consisting of three-a-day practices adding up to about 6-9 hours of volleyball a day, Butterfield said. There are two team practices held in the morning and afternoon and positions practice at night.
While preseason is tough, Avila said it will be nice to play in air conditioning, a feature the Stroh Center offers that Anderson lacked.
Preseason lasts until the season-opening Naval Academy Invitational on Aug. 28. The Falcons will take on Air Force in its first match. The volleyball team will also compete in the first collegiate sporting event held at the Stroh Center on Sept. 9 against Michigan State.
The volleyball team is excited about the home-opener and the move into the 133,000-square foot venue in general.
“I feel like I’m on ESPN whenever I walk into it [the Stroh],” Butterfield said.