After a setback to No. 6 ranked Cal Lutheran on September 14th, the Emory University volleyball team has wasted no time getting back into the win column, boasting an impressive 14-1 record.
The No. 4 ranked Emory squad came away with 3-0 wins against Emory and Henry College and Maryville College on Friday, boosting their record to 12-1, and grabbed a 3-0 win against Covenant College and a 3-1 win against Wellesley on Saturday at the Emory Tournament.
After initially dropping the first set to Wellesley at home in the Woodruff P.E. Center, Emory regrouped and dominated the final games–topping The Blue 59-50 in digs and 8-4 in total blocks. Experienced upperclassmen were dominant forces in Emory’s success this past weekend, with juniors Leah Jacobs and Kate Bowman leading the squad in digs and kills. Jacobs says that the team’s success so far is built on their inward sense of team calm and unity.
“Our team energy is what really sets us apart from most teams. Regardless of what is happening in the game, we stay very relaxed as a unit. Obviously we get really excited during games, but we never get rattled on the court,” said Jacobs.
While the whole team seems to be stepping up and taking responsibility, an especially exciting fact to both the upperclassmen and the program became even more apparent this past weekend. This freshman class came ready to play–and during the match against Covenant, they accounted for all 45 of the team’s kills.
The chemistry of the team seems to be a key to their success. Freshman Sarah Maher says that she immediately has been embraced by a new family since coming to Emory. On and off the court, they push each other and support each other in every way. And the key to their success, she says, is self motivation, and practice.
“This is easily the most self motivated and hard working group of girls I have played with. I fully expect our team to be the team to beat this season! We have and will continue to put in the hard work and extra effort in each practice and we certainly have the energy and talent to help us win big matches,” said Maher.
The Eagles will be back at home this weekend when they host the Emory Tournament.
