Wham! There goes the sound of another kill from the Oberlin College volleyball team. To date, this has been a trying yet educational season for the Yeowomen. The team is staying confident in not only the season to date but also the way that they have been playing. From the need to learn how to interact as a team and the problems that befall a new coach, this team has battled each opponent valiantly and will continue to persist until they emerge victorious from a season that has taught many how to persist through tough times.
The Yeowomen traveled to Heidelberg College this past Monday but fell in three sets; 30-20, 30-11 30-27. However, these scores do not reflect the hours of practice on the court and in the weight room this young team puts in.
This past Wednesday, Oberlin hosted John Carroll in Philips Gym. The Yeowomen fell in three sets to a strong John Carroll team, by scores of 30-15, 30-14, 30-13. Strong numbers were put up in the loss for the Yeowomen, showing signs of improvement on this young squad.
As the Yeowomen persevere the games and matches wiz by. Regardless of the win/loss record, it is necessary to look at the improvements each player has made. As a team, their error percentage has dropped, their assists have gone up, instead of falling behind early in matches the team is able to pull together and push through to, possibly, the final set. Each point is fought for, each serve is given with infinite amounts of energy and every bump is bumped as well as each woman is capable.
“These girls are trying very hard and they will continue to try very hard,” Assistant Coach Sarah Breon said. Amber Coleman has also said that “with a new team it takes time.”
Both of these athletes know first hand the problems facing a young team. Both of these players know from life experience the problems facing individuals in a team sport. Both of these athletes know full-well that they are trying their hardest and that they will succeed.
The Yeowomen travel to Denison University in Granville, Ohio tomorrow to participate in a North Coast Athletic Conference opening three way event. Oberlin will take on host Denison in the first game at 11 a.m. and then will return to the court at 1 p.m. to take on NCAC foe Earlham. Adopt-a-player night is on Wed. Sept. 26 at the Yeowomen’s home game against Hiram at 7:00 in Philips Gym.