QUINTIN JAMES
Staff Writer
Coming into the weekend, the Fredonia volleyball team was on a high after winning their fifth straight game against Houghton College. They were coming home to face off against Bethany College and St. John Fisher College in the Fredonia Tri-Match.
The key to the winning strategy was the high tempo that Fredonia wanted to play every game. Their communication on the court during the game is crucial, and senior Hallie Christopher understands they will need to keep it up to continue their excellent play.
“I think we need to keep up our high tempo offense in order to keep winning. We also need to continue to play as a team, and our communication on the court will ultimately end up getting us more wins and be successful in SUNYAC pool play next weekend as well.”
Another reason for the recent success is the fact that Fredonia stays calm during tough stretches in a game and have a bend-but-don’t-break mentality.
“I believe that our key to playing so well lately is the ability to stay calm when we are behind in a game or even down a set in a match. We are able to play together and fix our mistakes quickly and [this] gives us the ability to eventually come out with a win,” said Christopher.
Being a senior and one of two setters on the team, Christopher mentions that part of her role is to be a leader and communicator on the court.
“It is extremely important as a setter to be on my game at all times on the court. As a setter, you touch the ball on almost every play, so consistency is key. Also, as a senior, it is important to always bring positive energy and leadership to the court, as the lower classmen tend to look towards me in times of struggle.”
Fredonia was put to the test this weekend in the first game against Bethany, as Fredonia found itself up 7-2 in the fifth set with both teams tied in the series 2-2. Fredonia would allow Bethany to end the game on a 13-3 run to win the set 15-10 and the game 3-2 (25-17, 24-26, 20-25, 25-14, 10-15).
Fredonia committed 22 errors to Bethany’s 14, but other than that dominated the stat sheet. The blown fifth set ruined an otherwise solid game from the Blue Devils. Sophomore setter Amanda Mosack had 51 assists which led the Blue Devils. Senior Kristen Stanek had 18 kills while Kailey and Emma Falk had 13 kills apiece.
Fredonia would have another game Saturday afternoon, this time against St. John Fisher College. This game would again come down to a fifth set and again, the Blue Devils couldn’t win the final set, dropping the game 3-2 (25-21, 24-26, 26-24, 21-25, 8-15).
Christopher set the pace all game with 48 assists while Kailey Falk had 22 kills on offense and 22 digs on defense. Freshmen Emma Booth and Kristen Stank both had 12 kills apiece on offense as well.
Fredonia volleyball will travel to Oneonta next weekend to play the final round of SUNYAC pool play.