Pioneer Volleyball Splits Day 1 in their Season Debut at the Owen's Invitational
The Pioneers started off strong for the first day of the Owen’s Invitational, competing against SUNY Erie. The team banded together for their first official game of the season, taking the first set 25-12. They kept their momentum, finishing the second set with 25-19, and finishing in only three sets, taking the third 25-17.
The Pioneers started off strong for the first day of the Owen's Invitational, competing against
SUNY Erie. The team banded together for their first official game of the season, taking the first
set 25-12. They kept their momentum, finishing the second set with 25-19, and finishing in only
three sets, taking the third 25-17.
The Pioneers returned later in the day battled it out against 3-time reigning National Champs Owens at the Owen's Invitational. The Pioneers lost the first set 25-15, fighting it out every rally. They finished the
second set with 25-8, and Owen's took the third 25-17, beating the Pioneers 3-0 sets.
Standout student athlete:
The game one standout student athlete of this game was Kayla Baase. The Freshman's current statistics for the season are 14 kills. Baase was the standout athlete because she consistently had powerful
kills. This contributed to the team by providing non-returnable hits that racked up points. Game two the standout student athlete of this game was Hanna Edmonds. The Sophomore's current
statistics for the season are 12 kills, 5 of which were from this game. Edmonds was the standout athlete because she consistently used smart plays to avoid the Owens' block and place the ball. This contributed to the team by
keeping the ball on the opponent's side, and gave our defense a breather.
Highlights from game:
During the matchup between Pioneers and Kats, playing in their first official match-up, the Delta Volleyball team proved that they deserve to be the inaugural team after eleven years without a program. They focused on their
fundamentals, and implemented everything that they've been working on. During the matchup between the Pioneers and the Express, the Delta Volleyball team proved that they had potential to make it all the way. They fought
point for point in long rallies, and challenged a team that has won repeated National Championships – all on their first official day on the court.
Game Statistics/Outcomes:
Pioneers vs Erie
Sets: 3-0
Player Spotlight: Kayla Baase
Pioneers vs Owens
Sets: 0-3
Player Spotlight: Hanna Edmonds
Coaches comments:
Head Coach Mandy Palmateer said "I'm so proud of these girls and all the hard work that they've put in. This win helped build confidence that we can build on the rest of the season. We really proved that we belonged out there,
and that hard work pays off. We're looking forward to a strong season, with great girls. We're excited to be on the court representing the Pioneers!" Head Coach Mandy Palmateer comment on the game versus Owens, "This was a
great learning experience for our girls, to experience what level of play is required of a nationally ranked team. Despite the loss, we learned valuable lessons, and held our own against three-time national's winners. We hope to
meet up with them again after we've had some more time on the court."
Any adjustments for next games:
Some adjustments for the next game will be to work on our block. These adjustments are important because they prevent the back row defense. We will make these adjustments by getting more reps in during practice and
increasing jump training and conditioning. Some adjustments for game three will be to continue to work on our block. These adjustments are important because they protect the back row defense. We will make these adjustments
by getting more reps in during practice and increasing jump training and conditioning. We'll also continue building team chemistry throughout the process
