The Xavierite
The women’s volleyball team has gotten its rhythm back.
The Cougars made their comeback with two back-to-back games. Their first game was against Trinity International University (Illinois), where SXU took all three sets (25-13, 25-22, 25-15); this was the team’s first Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) victory this season. Originally, the girls were going to play Aurora University, not Trinity.
The ladies’ second win was their first game against Lincoln Christian University last Friday. The lady Cougars won all three sets (25-22, 25-17, 25-19).
There were impressive performances from several of the girls during the Trinity game. Junior right side Meghan Falsey had six kills, while senior defensive specialist and outside hitter Jessica Galotta had five kills and a team-high 11 digs.
Senior middle hitter Marie Hackert contributed 10 kills and a solo block. Anna O’Hara, a freshman outside hitter, had four kills, five digs and three service aces. Senior setter Kelly Shaffer helped the team to victory with 25 assists, six digs, three aces and three kills.
Hackert, who led the team in kills and points in the game against Trinity International University’s Trojans, has been working hard to perform well and help her team out of the rough period they were previously experiencing.
“I am working hard to be consistent with my hitting game in order to help the team work towards [its] goals,” said Hackert.
However, Hackert’s not the only one that has contributed to the team’s great comeback.
“We have been working hard at practice to improve the parts of our game that we are struggling with and really staying positive and looking forward towards conference play,” said the graphic design and marketing major.
Another team member who has been working hard to play well for her team is freshman defensive specialist Shauna Meagher.
“I try my hardest to make great plays for my team every time I see the court. I am still working on staying consistent with my serving, and I’m staying loud and positive for the team,” said Meagher.
However, the girls will not deny that they hit rough patches earlier this season.
“This season we have been up and down,” said Hackert. “We have had peaks of really good play, and I think once we can find a stride and consistently play at our highest level, we can really do some great things.”
The Cougars just may have found their stride—a stride that just might help them down the path to nationals.
“I really hope to get a bid to nationals by placing high in our conference,” said Meagher. “I expect to come out first in some tournaments this season. I want to keep seeing everyone improve.”
Nationals seems to be on everyone’s mind, especially Hackert’s since she will be graduating this spring.
“When I graduate I hope to leave behind a successful team. I would like to end my last year on a good note, so getting to nationals and working towards a title would be my ideal goal,” said Hackert.
The Cougars might have a chance of making it to nationals this year due to their noteworthy performance. It is definitely possible for the team because they made it to nationals just two years ago; even though the team didn’t make it to nationals last year, they have confidence in themselves and their team’s ability this year.
“We stuck with two ranked teams, which made not only coach but the [whole] team happy,” said Meagher. “I feel like we will do great things this year.”
The girls talk about the improvements they would like to see throughout the rest of the season, but they also talk a lot about the improvements they have already seen.
“We have really been developing as a team, and we’ve been doing a lot of really good things. I think as a team we are growing, and I can already see a lot of improvements,” Meagher said.
These improvements are made possible through a team effort and a genuine care for each other.
“I work hard in practice, and I feel like I stay dedicated to the team,” continued Meagher. “I have so much fun with these girls, and the second I walk into the gym for practices or games, all the day’s worries are put aside, and I can just play the game I love with my amazing team.”
The women hit the court again on Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. to take on Robert Morris University’s Eagles in a conference match.
Alexis Flamburis
Sports Correspondent