Southwestern College Collegian

Issue date: 9/14/06 Section: Sports

Photo by Kristy Gordon The Southwestern College volleyball team plays in the Jinx Jamboree last weekend. Central Christain College, St. Gregory's, Robert Morris College, and Bacone College competed. Southwestern was defeated in all matches. The team will host Friends University today. [Click to enlarge]

The women's volleyball team has struggled to a 1-9 record, although their only win snapped a 35-match losing streak. Their next match is Sept. 14, hosting Friends University. The scores for the Sept. 12 match against Kansas Wesleyan were unavailable as of press time.

This season, the volleyball team won their first match under the direction of Cori Meyer, head volleyball coach.

This is Meyer's first year as volleyball coach. Meyer is a graduate of Wichita State University where her team won two conference titles and played in a NCAA tournament. Meyer said she knew she wanted to work at SC after a campus visit.

"I really liked how the staff and faculty was close," Meyer said. "I really enjoy this team. They are a good group of girls to work with."

The team has six returning players and four new recruits. Meyer said the new roster has helped to increase the team's chemistry on and off court.

Maintaining that chemistry, along with improving skills and technique, Meyer said is one of her goals for the team this season. "Also, to improve individual skills, to increase volleyball IQ, and to learn more about the game," Meyer said.

Kelli Bunnel, one of many experienced players, said she also felt the team chemistry was good this year. "It's still early, so it's still hard to tell what we're gonna be like, but I think so far we get along great. We got our different personalities that come together to make the team great."

Bunnel said that she was not discouraged by last season and is excited about working with the new coach. "It's a change. She has some really good ideas and I'm excited to see how they play out in the season."

The team had their first conference game on Sept. 6 against McPherson. They lost all three matches.

Meyer said that one of the challenges the team will face is staying motivated. "I think it's really hard to lose a few matches and stay focused," Meyer said.

The team began the season by ending their 35-match losing streak with a win over Stephens College. The win against Stephens helped to increase the team's morale, Bunnel said.

"It was really exciting. We were jumping up and down," she said. We were screaming. It's definitely not going to be the only one in the season."

Southwestern hosted the Jinx Jamboree last weekend. Central Christian College, St. Gregory's, Robert Morris College, and Bacone College competed. Southwestern was defeated in all matches.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools