The women’s volleyball team has seen more success this year than in previous years, setting new standards for the team. On Oct. 4, the women’s volleyball team defeated Carthage College for the first time in twenty years with a score of 3-2.
This victory is one example of the team’s triumphs this year and a demonstration of their hard work, dedication and strategic planning as they progress further into their season.
“We have had many close encounters with Carthage over the last ten years, so we’ve been on the verge of being successful and finally, we were able to get over that hump and finish them off,” Head Coach Kelly Bethke said.
The team recognized Carthage’s challenge and motivated themselves to play their best game.
“We approached that match like we approach any other, we tried to focus on their top hitters and slow down their hitters,” Bethke said.
The triumph over Carthage was the culmination of years of hard work for all players, but moreso the seniors who have dedicated themselves to the sport for four years. Their unflinching support for one another as well as their ability to stay focused on the game plan have driven them to this historic victory.
“If that’s the highlight of our season, then we would have rather lost. We’re not done winning,” senior Jaden Julius said “We’re in it for the rest of the season.”
This past weekend, the Vikings had wins over Saint Mary’s and Crown in Minnessota and Trine in Indiana in their tournament ending the weekend with an overall of 17-4, only further proving the current success of the team.
“We’re back to work and ready to take more wins this season,” senior Syd Krueger said. “We’re not done working yet.”
The Vikings’ current achievements are the result of hard physical and mental training and dedication.
Their training regimens, intensity and solid defense have all contributed to their 17-4 record, which has set a new standard for the program.
The team’s current focus is one game at a time and the rigorous preparation that is crucial to their success.
“Well, my philosophy, and they know this, is we always focus on the next match. The biggest match is the next match that we play,” Bethke said.
Around one-third of the players on the team are seniors. However, the underclassmen are stepping up to help the team as a whole.
“Although we are a senior-dominant team, I kind of like to give [our younger players] a little bit of a shout-out,” Bethke said. “Our sophomores and juniors have stepped up this year to fill the roles that we needed in the fall, and they’ve done a really good job to help us be successful.”
Currently, the Vikings are hoping to fill in the stands during their match-up against Millikin University on Nov. 1 in the Carver Athletic Center.
“We are trying to break our attendance record on November first, we are trying to farm against Millikin,” senior Grace Vranicar said. “We are trying to sell out Carver that night.”
The team’s enthusiasm and commitment are unwavering as they anticipate the upcoming challenges and victories.
The Vikings’ next game is on Friday, Oct. 20 at North Park College in Chicago IL.