With a 19-3 record so far this season, the Trinity volleyball team is off to a good start to complete their goal of winning conference.
On Wednesday, Oct. 9, the team beat Concordia University 3-2. The Tigers won the first two sets 25-14 and 25-19, but then lost the next two sets 23-25 and 21-25. After the final set, the team pulled ahead by grabbing 10 of the final 14 points and won the set 15-9. This marks the 10th straight victory for the Tigers.
The team hopes this strong start foreshadows things to come and they can reclaim the conference title. The last two years the Tigers have fallen short of a title, but this season they feel as though they have the ability to overcome past difficulties. Colorado College, winner of the conference the last two years and the biggest competition, fell to Trinity 3-2 on Sept. 29.
Many players feel that this is the team’s best opportunity to have a break out year, especially after their positive start.
“So far the season is going well. It’s starting off a lot better than it did last year. We have been playing and meshing really well as a team and our record is reflecting that,” said junior Bridget Bohman.
The main difference in the team between this season and last is mental toughness. Players feel that mentality is the missing piece that has kept them from winning conference recently.
“Our mentality is a little bit stronger. We are owning up to the fact that we are a really good team and we know that we can win tough matches against really good teams,” said senior Maryn Swierc.
This idea is echoed by assistant coach Aly Hazelwood.
“There really isn’t a huge difference physically between this and last year’s team, as we only graduated one senior. I think our team has really progressed mentally. They’re working hard every day to improve, which is what we’ve done since 2012,” Hazelwood said.
Another factor contributing to their successful season is the depth of their squad.
“We have a lot of depth in every position; our coach could put whoever out on the court and they would do awesome. We are at least three or four players deep for every position, and that is really working towards our advantage,” Bohman said.
As the team continues to rack up wins, they are keeping their eyes on a national title.
“If we play the way we know we can, then we can make it all the way for sure, no doubt,” Swierc said.
The team chemistry and morale is soaring due to the solid start and play on the court. People are enjoying the game right now.
“Everything is coming together now for us. We mesh really well; we play really well; we practice really well. I think that’s a reflection on the team,” Bohman said.
Next up for the Tigers is the SCAC Group A Divisional at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas, from Friday, Oct. 11, to Sunday, Oct 13. They will face off against Southwestern University on Friday and Schreiner University and Texas Lutheran on Saturday.
