Volleyball's start is slow

For the past two weeks the women's volleyball team has participated in independent tournaments throughout neighboring states, with disappointing results thusfar. Traveling as far as Illinois, the team has compiled a 2-9 overall record.

The tournaments, however, have proven to be good competition for the team in preparation for the upcoming conference games next week.

The team is beginning to gel and hopes to improve on the year's slow start. Captain senior Katie Ruth, a consistent backbone of the Yeowomen squad, said "We've been in a slump but were climbing our way out of it."

The team has added some important new faces this year: First-years Liane Lau, Clara Hatanaka, Mai Lynn Grajewski, Alana Kinmore and Anna "Baby" Ruth.

"I'm really impressed with their work ethic and positive attitudes," Coach Suzanne Garland said. "Alana has really taken on to the setting role. It's a new position for her, but she's doing a really good job for the team."

Frustration has increased for the Yeospikers as the losses have mounted. In response the team has added more back row hitting, a useful counterinitiative.

An inspiring aspect of the team this year has been its courage to fight through pain. Watching the Yeowomen bear it on the court and play through their bumps and bruises is truly impressive and deserves respect. Outside hitter junior Jill Brockelman said, "We have so many injuries right now, but we're lucky that none are serious enough to keep anyone from playing."

Upperclassmen and first years alike, the team itself is blessed with an admirable team spirit. Not all teams maintain such good relations, and in any team sport, cooperation is of utmost importance. This cooperative spirit should eventually manifest itself on the court in the form of improved performance, as the Yeowomen must surely be hoping.

The Yeowomen head to Hiram College Tuesday and will attempt to put an end to their losing streak.