In 2004 they posted a 25-17 record, including a nine game win streak earning them an assortment of awards. Expectations were high as they geared up for the following year.
But the women’s volleyball team had not planned for what lay ahead.
On Aug. 29 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, while participating in a preseason tournament, the squad learned that their 2005 season would be cut short before it even began.
After Hurricane Katrina caused the cancellation of the fall semester, 13 players were spread across the country.
Fast forward 12 months and coach Tommy Harold is looking at 11 faithful returnees, along with a freshman and a transfer student to round out the roster.
They lack height and have had limited competitive play since 2004, but Harold says not to rule them out just yet.
“It’s tough to say without playing anybody,” Harold said of the upcoming season. “I’m excited about the prospect of our defense being stronger than usual, which ordinarily is our strength.
“If the defense holds us, it should be another good season.”
The players are eager to begin this season.
“Since we missed last year,” communications junior Sarah Howard said, “we know how precious this year is, and we’re ready to go.”
“I can’t wait,” international business sophomore Keelyn Henderson said. “It’s gonna be interesting … I’m excited about our first home game and all that stuff.”
The Wolfpack kicks off its season today against West Alabama. The first home game is scheduled for Sept. 12 against Mobile.
@Subhead:STAYING COMPETITIVE
@Body Text:When Loyola reopened last spring, Harold wasted no time in arranging exhibition games in an effort to patch together a lost season.
While Katrina hampered The Den by destroying the wooden floor, the team went on the road and scrimmaged against South Alabama, Southeastern (both Division I schools) and West Florida, a Division II school.
They also took part in the U.S. Open Volleyball Championship in May at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, going against senior level teams from across the country – including members of the U.S. national team.
“We did well in the tournament,” Harold said. “We didn’t finish (as) high as we hoped, but we got experience against older women.”
@Subhead:RECRUITMENT
@Body Text:With New Orleans’ national image being what it is, Harold faced the challenging task of finding recruits that would weather the storm’s aftermath.
“It was a struggle,” he said. “People were excited to come, but mom and dad said ‘no.'”
Due to the university’s canceled semester, prospective athletes were unable to visit the campus. The result: one freshman recruit. Harold was able to acquire transfer student Christine Perez from Florida International.@Subhead:FUTURE OUTLOOK
Keelyn Henderson wasn’t certain if she was coming back to Loyola.
“I told myself that I would probably regret it. I want to play volleyball really bad.”
Her response mirrors that of others on the team, and with it has been an overwhelming desire to perform.
“A lot of people have stepped up,” Henderson said. “I think what we lack in height we make up in hustle and heart.”
“I’m happy with our core,” Harold said. “We didn’t lose a lot to graduation.”
That core includes Kelly Fridge, Mary Seals and Howard.
Fridge, marketing senior, ranked No. 4 nationwide in digs per game (6.2) in ’04.
Seals, general business junior, led the team in kills (410) and ranked No. 35 nationwide in kills per game (3.1).
Howard ranked No. 7 in assists per game (11.2) and No. 31 in hitting percentage (0.290) and also garnered ranks as Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Setter of the Year as a freshman.
Due to the cancellation of the season, all fall sports will have an additional NAIA eligible season.
Michael Nissman can be reached at [email protected].
Sophomore Keelyn Henderson spikes during a Tuesday practice at The Den. (Victoria Lodi)
