The Observer, September 9, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 2
New volleyball players adjust well to the learning curve
Case is trying to solidify its image as the most powerful learning environment in the world. What the university probably wasn't thinking when it made that slogan was that it could also extend into the athletic arena.
Just ask the Case volleyball team. Out of 13 players on the roster, eight are freshmen. Out of the five non-freshmen, only one has played at the collegiate level for more than two years. It's safe to say that the ladies are learning as they go.
Nonetheless, the women turned in a solid performance in their first tournament of the year at Mount Union last week. They finished fifth overall in the tournament with a 1-3 record, winning the first match against Kenyon before falling to Defiance, Waynesburg, and Westminster. They began the tournament well, but could not maintain the momentum.
"Losing the last three had nothing to do with our ability to win," said senior captain Heather Nappi. "It might have had more to do with our passing and communication, and we'll get better at that as the season goes on."
The 1-3 record might not sound like much until one considers that last year's squad, with more experienced players, finished seventh in the same tournament. The rise in the standings indicates that this year's team, while short on experience, has quite a bit of potential. Overall, Coach Nelson Wittenmyer was pleased with his team's performance under the circumstances.
"We did well considering the amount of experience we have and the fact that we only had 12 days to prepare," Wittenmyer said. "In high school, volleyball players start preparing four to five weeks prior to the season. In Division III, they get 12 days, and they are also trying to deal with meeting new teammates and starting classes at the same time. It's tough."
Most importantly, while having to adjust to new teammates and the college game, the ladies are staying positive and believing in themselves.
"Given the fact that we hadn't played together at one time, the way we executed was good," said sophomore Julianna Burrows. "The things that we have to improve on are minor and can be worked on."
"We blended together well," added freshman Julie Schaefer. "It felt like we had been playing together for a while."
Next on the schedule is a tournament at Baldwin-Wallace, which starts tomorrow. Wittenmyer acknowledged that this tournament is just one of many competitive ones on the schedule, and that the competition would be tougher than last weekend's. This weekend looks to be another learning experience for the young, scrappy team.
