The women’s volleyball program kicked off the new year on a high note in last Saturday’s season opener against Faulkner University. Despite a good fight from a hard-hitting Eagles’ offense, the ‘Pack ended the night 3-1.
“It was a good first game. We’ve only been practicing for two weeks. Some nerves got in the way, but it was a pretty good game,” said setter Sarah Howard, marketing senior.
Setter Danielle Posey, mass communication senior, said the victory should provide confidence for the rest of the season.
Last year’s team boasted a 21-11 record and appeared at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics regional tournament.
“We can definitely go all the way. Conference, regionals, maybe even nationals. For right now, we’re just going to take it game by game,” Posey said.
Outside hitter Mary Seals, accounting senior, recorded a career high 15 kills.
Last season she ranked near the top of the league with 4.27 kills per game. Seals also made the NAIA Scholar Athletes list.
Positive about another a successful season, head coach Tommy Harold agreed.
“If we continue to improve, we will have a successful season,” said Harold. “The wins and losses will take care of themselves.”
Despite losing three seniors from last year’s team, the ‘Pack made successful adjustments to rotate the talent of the newer players.
“We have great defensive kids who have stepped up to the plate to take the lead,” Harold said.
And the players feel the same.
“The seniors are irreplaceable. We have two new freshmen, and we’re used to playing with each other, so it’s been an easy transition,” Posey said.
New additions to this year’s team will add depth to the roster.
Harold’s new recruits include players from near and far, like setter/outside hitter Katherine Thompson, a biology freshman from New Orleans, and outside hitter Kristie Hadley, a sociology freshman from Plymouth, Mass.
Both players are excited to start the new season and ready to win.
“We have a great team, and I’m excited for this season, we’re going to do great,” said Thompson, who watched the season opener from the bench after dislocating her right shoulder at practice last Tuesday.
According to Harold, not much has changed in the team’s offense, although the defense still needs work.
“We’re never going to be the biggest team. We will continue to frustrate the opposing team, then knock them out,” he said.
The ‘Pack scored many of its points by exposing the Eagles’ poor positioning after long volleys.
A change in the practice routine contributed to the team’s offensive improvements, Posey said.
“We’ve been running a lot more, which has increased our speed. We’re doing some lower sets,” she added.
“I’m ready, we’re ready for this season. The support of our fans keep us going. It’s going to be a great season,” Harold said.
The Wolfpack opens play at the Belhaven Tournament in Jackson, Miss., against Evangel University tonight.
The next home game will be against Belhaven whose star player Roz Sabella had seven kills in 27 attacks against Jackson State University.
As of Aug. 25, Belhaven is 1-4 for the season so far.
Jaune Jackson can be reached at [email protected].
