On Oct. 14 and 15, Union University’s volleyball team competed in the South Region Crossover Classic in Hoover, Ala. They lost to Lynn University 0-3, Palm Beach Atlantic University 2-3 and the University of Tampa 1-3.
The Lady Bulldogs currently have an overall record of 15-8 and a conference record of 8-1.
Despite their losses, the team remains unbreakable and stronger than ever as they prepare for upcoming games.
“The game didn’t go the way we wanted it to,” Sydney Sample, senior defensive specialist, said. “But the growth we saw within each other as a team really boosts our confidence.”
The players don’t see their losses as losses; instead, they see them as motivation to come together as a team and put their best foot forward.
The Lady Bulldogs are optimistic and focused as they approach every game — no matter how good the opponents are — with determination.
“Every opponent is beatable,” Sample said. “If we hang with national champs, we can hang with anyone.”
Amid the players’ continuous drive, the coaches and trainers ensure that players have time to rest and recover to put their best foot forward.
“We have a day off,” Alyssa Tatsch, graduate student outside hitter, said. “Jonny (strength and conditioning coach) does a good job of knowing that since we’re toward the end and middle of the season that it’s rough on our body, so he base workouts slightly easier so we’re not as sore.”
The volleyball team takes their physical well-being very seriously; however, they are also sure to bring importance to their mental well-being and grow individually, as a team and as players.
“We have Thoughtful Thursdays where we randomly choose a teammate and do something for them to keep connections strong,” Sample said.
According to Sample and Tatsch, these small incorporated exercises have strengthened relationships within the team, so they have each other to lean on when exhausted emotionally and physically.
The volleyball team confirms that having strong connections within a team is the motivating factor in winning a game, so they feel confident about all their games going forward.
“Anyone can take it,” Tatsch said, “And anything can happen.”
The team will play at home against the University of West Florida on Friday, Oct. 21 and Auburn University at Montgomery on Saturday, Oct. 22.
Photo courtesy of UU Athletics
