By Victoria Williamson ~ Sports Editor
Opening their season with two dominant wins on the road, Lynchburg Men’s Volleyball left a strong impression as the team looks to establish themselves in their first season. The Hornets now look ahead to conference matches, hoping to build off of their hot start and mold into a true contender in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC).
Coach Ryan Turner is watching a match. Photographed by Caroline Gerke.
Head coach Ryan Turner, who has worked to build the program from the early recruitment stage all the way to preparation for the first game, looks forward to the challenging schedule ahead. Turner views it as a prime opportunity for the program to improve.
“As a first year, there needs to be a balance so we feel the pressure of performing when we know we are the better team. The flip side of it is that the ODAC has some very strong and well-established programs that give us the chance to play a little bit looser and understand that we’re the underdog, but there’s nothing to be afraid of,” Turner said.
The Hornets won their first two games of the season against Mount Aloysius College and Wilson College, winning both games in 3-0 sweeps. Players on the team have enjoyed the camaraderie they have built together this early in the season.
Brayden Berardo is preparing for the next point. Photographed by Jess Strickland.
Playing as a libero for the Hornets, freshman Brayden Berardo has enjoyed becoming closer with his teammates and seeing their chemistry translate on the court.
“Our communication on and off the court has been our biggest improvement as a team,” said Berardo, who had five digs and two assists in the Hornets’ victory against Wilson College. “We had to work through some miscommunications to get to the point of being more like a family rather than just teammates.”
Freshman outside hitter Matthew Ascetta looks forward to the remainder of the season and hopes to leave his mark on the team’s culture.
“It’s truly a great privilege to be able to put our own touch on what we believe is a good approach to a collegiate volleyball program,” said Ascetta, who sees an opportunity to be a part of a new program. “Being able to build our own culture for the team instead of coming into cultures already made allows us to adapt and grow together as a program and culture.”
The men’s volleyball team is scheduled to host their second ODAC match this Saturday, February 1, against Averett, where they look to end a three-game losing streak. The game is scheduled to begin at noon in Turner Gymnasium.
For more information on upcoming events for Lynchburg Sports, visit the LHSN Calendar.
