After defeating Xavier on Nov.8, Loyola’s volleyball team is on its way to the Southern States Athletic Conference Tournament in Biloxi, Miss. to compete against Southern Wesleyan University.
Loyola will face its biggest challenge playing undefeated Lee University in the coming weeks, but for now, volleyball head coach, Tommy Harold is concerned with taking things one win at a time. “Obviously Lee University who is currently the number one ranked team in the country could present some problems,” said Harold, “but first and foremost we must put our focus on our quarterfinal match up against Southern Wesleyan. This team took a set off of earlier in the season and is capable of playing very well.” Coach Harold stresses the improvement of his team as a key to its success “We know that we must be focused on getting better everyday out and the results will come if we work on perfecting the process of learning.”
According to Harold, the structure of practice has not changed. “We still have the same focus we have had since day one.”
Harold’s players need to possess two main traits: the skills necessary to win and the willingness to compete. “You always start with the skills, you must have a solid foundation on which you play the game. If you can win the serve in the serve receive battle, you will win 85 percent of your matches. Beyond the physical there must be a drive to compete, and will to prepare everyday. When we are focused on the process of improving this has been when we are at our best.”
Harold takes a lot of pride in his team. As players and students of Loyola, team members excel both on the court and in the classroom. “I am very proud of the team both collectively and individually. The work these athletes put into not only volleyball but also their class work and the work in the community speaks very highly of their character,” said Harold.
Gina Gill, outside hitter and psychology junior, is an asset to the team. With over 600 kills (spikes that result in a score), Gill has been a big help to her team’s success. She has been named SSAC Player of the Week three times this season. “I think that her contributions have been outstanding this season and throughout her career here at Loyola. She is having one of the best seasons statistically in the history of the program but her value to the team from a leadership role goes far beyond the statistics,” said Harold. “Part of what makes her special as a player is her willingness and drive to learn. She has continually responded to challenges set to her from the coaches to improve and that improvement has shown no signs of slowing down.”
According to Harold, the team has been playing at a high level this last month of the season, winning 14 of the 18 games played since the beginning of October. If the Wolfpack keeps up the wins, we can look forward to seeing them compete in NAIA Nationals at the end of this month.
Scott O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]
