The Colorado College women’s volleyball team is a powerful force on this campus that cannot be stopped. The team began the 2015 season with a 3-0 win against Johnson and Wales University on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The team has a roster of 19 players, and Coach Rick Swan was able to rotate the lineup and have younger players step out onto the court to experience the fast-paced manner of collegiate play. Twelve of the 19 players on the team’s roster are underclassman, bringing a new perspective and intensity that cannot be matched.
“The game was a boost of confidence and a great way to start the season as we prepare for tougher competition,” said junior outside hitter Abbe Holtze.
For this game, there was a young team on the court with only three returners starting on the floor, but those returners were able to help the new players get into the swing of things and keep the confidence up on the court.
The Reid Arena hosted the CC Classic Tournament this past Saturday, and the CC team took away the title after beating University of Dubuque and The University of Texas at Tyler. Senior and lobero Sophie Merrifield and sophomore Glenna Yancey were both named All-Tournament players with important defensive plays that helped capitalize on their wins.
Holtze, who notched a team-high 15 kills and 15 digs, said, “This year on the team we have so much depth that we are able to change the lineup, and it is advantageous for us to utilize the fresh legs and fresh arms, especially during weekend tournaments.”
Reagan Folaron, a sophomore transfer, is going to be a force to watch in this program. after earning a double-double against UTT with 14 kills and 11 digs.
It is an advantage to play at home, especially for the first few games because the team is familiar with the arena and the CC fans amp up the atmosphere. “Our team is very supportive of one another,” said sophomore Susannah Phillips. “We try not to bring any negative vibes onto the court with us.”
Merrifield stands out on the court in the eyes of her teammates. She is a true competitor and acts as the calming presence to keep the fast-paced game of volleyball at ease. What makes her the standout leader is her amount of energy that she brings to the court helping keep everyone calm and motivated.
Senior captain and right-side hitter Courtney Birkett was named the MVP of the Colorado College Classic as well as SCAC Offensive Player of the Week. Birkett capitalized on both her offensive skill set as well as defense and is an all-around essential player on the court. This first week of games, Birkett has had 97 assists, 45 kills, and five service aces. Defensively she dominated the court with 46 digs and 12 blocks.
If you’re looking for a way to start your weekend festivities off right, come pack the house this Friday at 7 p.m. to watch the 13th ranked CC play against the 17th-ranked University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.