Last season, the Lady Bisons volleyball team had an incredible 26-8 record, including a victory over #3 seed University of Nebraska at Kearney in the NCAA Tournament. The team’s season ended with a loss to Concordia University — St. Paul University, but the Lady Bisons are back, ready to prove themselves as a formidable team.
With eight new freshmen and six returning players, Harding’s volleyball team heads to Huntsville, Al. this weekend to begin their first tournament of the season.
Eight new freshmen means eight pairs of shoes to fill, which is something that freshman defensive specialist Emma Winiger is fully aware of. With the successful season the Lady Bisons had, all eyes are focused on achieving another season like it.
“I am only a freshman,” Emma Winiger said. “But I know that we have a huge legacy to live up to.”
Winiger says that the team is already starting to bond and form.
“Our team chemistry has been coming together,” Winiger said “ And I think we can do some really great things here.”
Head Volleyball Coach Meredith Fear is excited about the opportunities that a new roster can bring and the new possibilities that this team can present. She said she looks forward to seeing how the team fares against those at the tournament this weekend and uses this as a learning point going into the season.
“I’m excited about it,” Fear said. “I think that they are exciting and winnable matches. I think this tournament will give me a good picture of how the team can be used and what our strengths and weaknesses are. With a team that has so many new members, I know that I have a lot of players who can do a lot. We can begin to start asking questions like who fits where and what combination works against this team, rather than a set plan like last year. It’s a more adaptable and flexible approach to things.”
The team is hopeful this year as they hope to achieve a season similar to or even better than last year. Junior defensive specialist Katherine Cowart predicts a successful year for the Lady Bisons, as she is confident about the hard work put in through the summer and preseason.
“I truly believe that we will have another successful season,” Cowart said. “We are all really looking forward to getting started.”
Cowart also encouraged the student body to help ensure a successful season through participation.
“Student participation is a huge deal in the sport of volleyball,” Cowart said. “When students come and encourage us, it fires our team up, while making it harder for the other team to do well. Usually, a good and loud student section can earn the home team at least 1 to 3 points. We love having fans, and we would be so appreciative to anyone who comes and supports us.”
A fresh new heard
