Mark Loiselle
Staff Writer
The Springfield College women’s volleyball team has been accustomed to the victories throughout this week, stringing six wins in a row in the middle of the 2012 season.
This past weekend, the Pride took second place in the MIT Invitational, defeating sturdy Division III opponents Bowdoin College (10-1, 3-1), Endicott College (5-9, 3-0) Tufts University (6-4, 3-1) and Bates College (7-5, 3-0).
“This weekend was huge, beating teams that were ranked higher than us,” said sophomore setter Molly Giannattasio. “We really needed those wins to boost our confidence, and I think that has got the ball rolling for us.”
Middle blocker Mary Consol has been impressive in her senior season, and her development continues. The senior has been a force on both sides of the net so far this season for the Pride. Consol recored 54 kills during the weekend tournament and the victory against MIT this past Monday, which landed her on the All-Tournament Team along with the NEWMAC Player of the Week honors.
” We were the aggressors and pushed harder than our opponents,” Consol stated. “As for my performance, I just tried to be what the team needed, and play hard and smart throughout the weekend.”
Wins transcribe into progressions and improvement, but by no means does the rolling of succession stop here, according to head coach Moira Long.
“We still need to work on fine-tuning some things,” said Long. “Defensively, we have some balls hitting the ground. I think what will improve our game is when we play our relentless defense.”
With four days off, the Pride look to keep their aggressive mentality at hand in hopes of a strong second half of the 2012 season. Springfield makes the short trip to South Hadley to take on NEWMAC foe Mount Holyoke on Oct. 2.