August 29, 2016
Ellie Colpitts
Similar to most team sports, volleyball relies on skill, plenty of practice and teamwork.
The girls’ 2015 winning season (16-12) was the first since head coach Chrissy Elder took over in 2013.
With five freshmen capable of making the starting lineup, Elder is eager to test her team at the first tournament against Oklahoma Panhandle State University on Sept. 1.
“For our first two tournaments that do not consist of conference teams, our goal is essentially to get our starters ready and prepared for (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) play.”
“If we’re not capable of winning the regular season outright, we’re absolutely shooting to not only win the tournament, but to host it,” said Elder.
Senior setter Morgan Evans was chosen to be on the RMAC All-Preseason team after the women’s volleyball team placed fifth in the RMAC 2016 preseason poll.
Evans, who was named third in the RMAC last season in assists per set, had 1,111 assists last season.
“It was a really big motivator to continue working hard through preseason so that I can hopefully be first team RMAC or setter of the year,” said Evans.
Evans started 28 total matches last semester and played in all 107 sets.
The team’s personal friendships with each other enhance their chemistry on the court, which is one part of what makes them successful, according to Evans.
“Our team chemistry is awesome and the freshmen have really helped add to the positive attitude, so we have a lot to look forward to,” said Evans.
Freshmen have added to the positive attitude of the team while upperclassmen take on leadership roles of the younger teammates.
“Coach is really good about recruiting girls to the team based on their personality and work ethic which is helpful,” said Evans.
Not only do the ladies have their sights set high in terms of athletic competition, but also in the classroom.
After receiving the ‘15-‘16 American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award for the second season in a row with an average team GPA of 3.30, Elder expects nothing less.
“One of the things that they really pride themselves on is academic standards, so for them to get team awards in that realm is really cool,” said Elder.
“We have what we call ‘The Geek Squad’ which allows our team as a whole to succeed, not individuals here and there.”