SXU Athletics
One word to describe the women’s volleyball team, you ask? Undefeated.
The women are currently going strong, winning four consecutive games. Their game against Robert Morris University’s Eagles was their fourth conference event of the season, as well as their fourth consecutive win. It seems there may be no stopping the Cougars.
The Cougars won all three sets against the Eagles at their away game on Wednesday. Senior middle hitter Marie Hackert led her team to victory with 13 kills and four blocks (one solo).
Hackert wasn’t the only one who contributed to the team’s win. With a team attack percentage of .241, 35 kills and only 14 attacking errors, the Cougars had quite the performance all around.
Kelli Shaffer, a senior setter, had 30 assists as well as two service aces. Junior right side Meghan Falsey contributed seven kills and two block assists, while junior middle blocker and outside hitter Heidi Gregerson posted six kills and four blocks (three solo). Senior Jessica Galotta, a defensive specialist and outside hitter, had 14 digs while Shauna Meagher, a freshman defensive specialist, had 13 digs.
The women’s volleyball team has beaten the Eagles in every game they’ve played against them since 2005, except for one; they lost one game in 2010. It’s easy to say that Robert Morris isn’t exactly a threat to SXU; nonetheless, each win the Cougars attain improves their record.
“The only way the team plays well [and] wins, is attributed to the whole group,” said head coach Robert Heersema.
SXU Athletics
In fact, that’s just what the team has been doing. Earlier this season, Galotta, as well as sophomore defensive specialist and setter Erica Harris, mentioned that it’s important for the whole team to work together and communicate throughout each match.
So why are the Cougars winning?
Heersema has been putting the girls to work on “serving, blocking and the defense around it.” It seems that the team has consistently been working on this, especially during this time of the season. It is also apparent that they have been sticking with this practice plan because it has proven successful for them as they continue on with their winning streak.
According to Heersema, he and the girls approach each game with a plan.
“Everyone has specific roles, and for us to win, everyone must buy in,” he said.
One way that is sure to help bring the girls together is through bonding. For the women’s volleyball team, it’s “home pre-game meals,” said Heersema.
It’s important for the girls to remain comfortable with each other so that they can build team camaraderie, which more than often leads to success.
The team has a busy week ahead of them. They play Campbellsville University on Friday at 1 p.m. The game is a part of the Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They play Ashford University at 3 p.m.
On Saturday, the girls hit the court against play Olivet Nazarene University (Ill.) at 1:00 p.m., followed by Taylor University (Ind.) at 3 p.m. Then the women travel to Roosevelt University on Tuesday to play in their fifth conference match of the season at 7 p.m.
Alexis Flamburis
Sports Contributor
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