Panthers excited to open conference play
Tonight, the Eastern volleyball team opens up its Ohio Valley Conference schedule against Morehead State tonight. They play Eastern Kentucky Saturday.
The Panthers are coming off of a five-set victory against the Western Illinois Leathernecks in Macomb.
On the way back from Macomb, the Panthers bus broke down. Since the team did not get home until early Tuesday morning, its practice for the day was canceled.
Senior outside hitter Erin Hake said the day off of practice really helped the team’s energy after their late night in Macomb.
Junior setter Chrissie Albers said the Panthers were glad to have played a challenging match against Western and come out on top. Albers felt that the Panthers played well and will try to translate that momentum into their OVC schedule this year.
Senior setter Kylie Cavanah said the Panthers are excited to face an early test in Morehead State, which was the preseason pick to win the OVC.
“It will be a good early test and we feel like we’re doing a great job of getting mentally prepared.”
Cavanah said the Panthers’ tough early schedule helped them better prepare for their conference opponents.
She said getting some big wins against top competition has helped them develop as a team and come into conference play more prepared.
The team is excited to finally play in front of their home crowd Hake said, as well as not having to go through hours of travel to get to the match site.
The Panthers were predicted before the start of this season to finish eighth out of ten teams, but that head coach Kate Price said rankings mean nothing at this point.
“Any team on any given day can win, so we’re just trying to focus on taking care of business on our side of the court,” Price said.
“It’s easier being the underdog, there’s no pressure on the girls to win, if you lose it’s just what was expected, and if you win then you pulled off an upset.”
Price said it is important for the team to keep on improving throughout the season.
“You want to be good during the preseason, better during the season so that you can make it to the postseason where you can be at your best.”
The Panthers open conference play today against Morehead State at 7 p.m., and then play Eastern Kentucky Saturday at 6 p.m. Both matches are at Lantz Arena.
Panthers excited to open conference play
Senior outside hitter Alex Zwettler lunges to dig the ball during practice Sept. 8 in Lantz Arena. (Jordan Boner
