By: Logan Mullen
Staff Writer
Everything went right for the Springfield College women’s volleyball team at the Springfield College Invitational this weekend. They did not just win, but swept all four matches. The Pride were dominant throughout the whole tournament, while exemplifying top-tier team play in their quest for the title.
Sitting in Blake Arena between the semifinal and final match, the fans could tell that good things would be in store for this group of women.
In the 20-minute break between the conclusion of the semifinals match and the start of warm-ups for the finals, fans could see members of the squad practicing on their own, honing in on individual skills.
Even after completing three sweeps in three matches, it was clear that these women were not satisfied until they held that championship trophy. This is what made the Springfield College Invitational feel like a precursor to the rest of the season; this squad will not refuse to stop working until they are hoisting that trophy at the National Championship in the DeVos Fieldhouse in Holland, Michigan on November 23.
This year’s squad seems to have a synergy and chemistry that few other programs seemto possess. There is a feeling of camaraderie and genuine excitement to play with one another and represent Springfield College.
Perhaps a small part of this is the fact that this group features a sizeable amount of youth, with only three juniors and three seniors on this year’s squad. However, the small amount of upperclassmen still do a stellar job of anchoring this young team.
“They are great leaders, they know what they are doing, they’re very supportive and we became a family immediately,” said sophomore standout Kelsey McGayhey.
The team is under the direction of head coach Moira Long. Now in her third season here at Springfield, Long has already set the bar high with her first two years at the helm, leading the Pride to the NCAA Championship tournament in both years. However, Long and her constituents have not grown complacent with simply making it to the tournament.
“We are just trying to take things one step at a time,” said Long. “We want to win our conference, but we have to build off this.”
There is a lot to be excited about for this year’s Springfield College women’s volleyball team, and it should be a priority for every member of the Springfield College community to go out and catch at least one match at Blake Arena this year. Any amount of volleyball knowledge is enough, because the energy and excitement that this team brings to the game is enough to keep any fan entertained.