After the men’s volleyball team lost their last four matches, the Vikings look to turn their season around with a double header at home against Greenville and Benedictine on Saturday, February 3rd.
this being Augustana’s first year having a volleyball team, the team has practically all underclassmen with the exception of two upperclassmen.
“It has been both a beautiful and challenging process in starting up a new team. Every single thing we do is new, every meeting, every film session, every road trip, every good and bad play, it’s all brand new. We are focusing on the process of getting better, both as individuals and as a team. The wins and losses will come on their own, but for now we will focus on the now moments and embrace getting better,” Lau said.
With having a primarily young team, leadership and chemistry matter a lot. Senior, Tyler Rubarts, thought very similarly.
“As the lone senior on the team, I try my best to answer any questions the guys may have about Augustana or what it is like to be a collegiate athlete,” Rubarts said. “Our team chemistry on and off the court is outstanding. Every guy is there for each other and willing to pick the guy up next to them when they are down. It’s a great environment, and I could not be happier being a part of this team.”
When talking to Rubarts about going into Saturday’s matches, Rubarts kept it simple.
“One thing that we could improve on is just going out on the court and having fun! Guys get too tense sometimes when we start losing games. We need to focus on next point and remember that we are playing a game that we love,” Rubarts said.
The Vikings will be on the road at Kenosha, Wisconsin the following weekend, as they open up conference play against Carthage and North Central.
 
Photo Above: Joshua Richardson (’21) spikes the ball against Judson players during the Vikings first ever home match in Augustana men’s volleyball history. Photo by Kevin Donovan