Caitlin Dorsch ~ Copy Desk Chief
After ending their season in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) quarterfinals tournament, with a defeat against Bridgewater College by a score of 1 to 3 on Oct. 31, 2018, the volleyball team has been working hard during their offseason to make a statement in the ODACs next year. Last season, the Lady Hornets team graduated two seniors, right side hitter, Hailey Bauer, and outside/right side hitter, Sydney Jamison.
Finishing with 13 wins and 15 losses, the Lady Hornets are hoping to stun the ODAC next season. Junior libero/defensive specialist, Lauren Stanford, states, “We are working on bettering ourselves everyday, whether that is in practice, lifting, conditioning, or class. We have good team chemistry which helps us push each other to do our best. We are focusing on improving every aspect of our game in order to be the best team we can be.”
The increased amount of training this offseason has helped the team in many ways, from team chemistry, like Stanford mentioned, to being a great illustration of our athletic programs motto of Elevation, no matter if the team is in or out of season.
“We are training harder than ever, both on the court and with our strength and conditioning coaches. We are focusing on playing for each other and putting the team before ourselves, which requires a lot of sacrifices physically and mentally, so we are emphasizing that now in order for it to carry over in the next season,” said sophomore defensive specialist, Sarah Connolly.
The team is becoming stronger, both as individuals and as teammates, both on and off of the court. The Lady Hornets have focused on working hard together and making sacrifices for the benefit of the team.
Connolly added, “All of this is to continue to improve our program and to get our first ODAC ring next season.”
The Lady Hornets are in the offseason until August, so they still have time to go before their first match at the end of August 2019. Nevertheless, they are working hard in order to make a statement in the ODAC and are committed as one team to succeed together. Be on the lookout for our volleyball players working hard at Wayne Proffitt Court in the Turner Gymnasium, outside, or in the Wake Fieldhouse. And do not be afraid to give them a shout-out of support for all their hard work!
