Volleyball Squad Aims To Top Record-Breaking Season in 2013
BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- A good indication of a successful program is a head coach that is never satisfied.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- A good indication of a successful program is a head coach that is never satisfied.
In 2012, the Moravian College Women's Volleyball team won a school-record 29 matches en route to another winning season that culminated in a trip to the ECAC Division III South Championship. The loss to Bethany College in the title match ended the 2012 campaign and left Head Coach Shelley Bauder hungry for more.
"Our goal is to build on the success from last year, plug in the new talent that we brought in this year, and start breaking some more records," said Bauder, who begins her 21st season as head coach.
Bauder has no problem setting lofty goals for her squad this season thanks to a few key returnees for 2013. Senior setter Kelly Brown will take the reins of captain this season after posting 1,312 assists one year ago.
Brown's multifaceted talents are a huge reason for Moravian's success over the past few years. Her 457 digs ranked second on the team, and some of her intangible qualities push her teammates to win.
"Kelly is a phenomenal athletic setter," Bauder said of her senior star. "She's a great leader and has an incredible work ethic. She leads by voice, but also her physical ability to get the job done."
Also returning to the Greyhounds is reigning Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year Victoria Bobyak. As a freshman, Bobyak registered 67 blocks and 266 kills to go with a stellar .232 hitting percentage. The sophomore will reprise her role as a middle blocker.
Bauder looks forward to the return of sophomore Lauren Hostetler, junior Kelianne Comitalo and junior Taylor Jennings to the outside hitting position. Between the three hitters, Moravian welcomes back a combined 680 kills from the 2012 record-breaking season.
A few fresh faces have already begun making a name for themselves wearing the Blue and Grey. The freshman class promptly established a sense of hard work and willingness to learn that bodes well for this season and years to come.
Just as last year, the Greyhounds have been selected to finish fourth in the Landmark Conference preseason poll. Bauder expects that information to serve as a motivational factor.
"We're not necessarily being picked to win the conference, but we want to demonstrate the impossible," Bauder said. "Our goal is to work hard enough to put ourselves in position to win the conference.
One way to do that is to work together and to set a high standard of excellence. The senior leadership committee has created five levels of commitment for the team, and Bauder expects them to be at that fifth level for the whole season, regardless of the win-loss record. The committee also drafted a team manifesto, which states what the women expect from themselves and what they want to be known for.
Finally, the team's motto this season best exemplifies Bauder's attitude toward succeeding at this level. "Be The We" is a reminder to play for the name on the front of the jersey instead of the number on the back.
Bauder is also happy to welcome back assistant coaches John Joseph Yanek and Deb Schlosser, who add knowledge and decades of experience in the sport.
The Greyhounds open court on Friday, August 30 when they host Ursinus at 4 p.m. to kick off the 11th Annual Greyhound Premiere Invitational in Johnston Hall. Pool play in the tournament concludes with a match against Marywood on Friday night at 8 p.m. The teams are re-pooled on Saturday, when Moravian will play two matches at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
