In an exercise to work on strikes, sophomore medium and rear hitter Courtney Harin smashes the ball over the net. After their victory at Northwestern Oklahoma State, the team is on a four-game winning streak. Will Austin/The Bulletin
The Emporia State volleyball team started out the season strong this weekend at the Pittsburg State Classic. They defeated William Jewel College 3-0.
Katie Deutschmann, a sophomore, led the Hornets with nine kills and 16 assists. Senior Meg Schwartz led the team in digs with 19 total. Freshman setter Sydney Hartman recorded 23 assists in her first game as a Hornet, according to the ESU Athletics website.
“My first game as a Hornet was very exciting. I was a little nervous at first, but once we were on the court playing, the nerves went away,” Hartman said. “It felt amazing to get off to such a great start with this team. I’m looking forward to a great season.”
The Hornets then faced Bemidji State University. Carly Spicer, sophomore, led the Hornet offense with nine kills and three blocks, followed by Morgan Buckner, junior, who had eight kills. Schwartz added 13 digs and Hartman led the team in assists with 23. The Hornets defeated Bemidji 3-0.
The Hornets then faced off against Harding University. Schwartz, who had 19 digs, again led the Hornet defense. Juniors Brianna Kaiser and Paige Vanderpool, who both had 11 kills and 13 digs each, led the offense. Hartman led the Hornets in assists, followed by Deutschmann with 20 assists and 8 kills, according to the website. The Hornets defeated Harding 3-1.
Their final game of the weekend was against Northwestern Oklahoma State University, who they defeated 3-0, going undefeated on the season, 4-0.
“It was a great way to start the season,” Spicer said. “My expectations for this year are extremely high. We have a very talented team and have good team chemistry. We are hoping this is our year.”
Schwartz, who had her fourth straight double figure dig match with 11 digs, led the Hornets on defense. Spicer had 15 kills and again led the offense.
According to the athletics website, the Hornets are averaging 14.3 kills per game compared to their opponents’ 8 kills per game.
The Hornets will travel to Rolla, Mo. this weekend for the Missouri S&T Middle of Nowhere Classic.