Bethel volleyball goes 1-2 at Fayette Invitational
Bethel volleyball goes 1-2 at Fayette Invitational
The Threshers beat Texas A&M - Texarkana while playing close matches with two nationally ranked teams last weekend.
FAYETTE, Mo. — The Bethel volleyball team traveled to the Fayette Invitational last weekend, going 1-2 in three games, including two close matches against nationally ranked teams.
Bethel volleyball took down Texas A&M - Texarkana this weekend in four sets. However, the Threshers came out of the weekend with two close losses, losing to no. 18 in the nation Columbia College and no. 19 Central Methodist in four and five sets respectively.
“We didn't have our best showing this weekend,” said head coach Adriana Leake. “We started off pretty slow against Columbia College and didn't pick up our normal level of play until the fourth set. We played well against Central Methodist, but weren't able to finish that one. We just weren't as consistent as we need to be.”
The Threshers hitting percentage was not where the team it to be this weekend, but a plethora of hitters continue to contribute to Bethel’s hig powered offensive attack. Laci Ownbey, with 48 kills, and Cameron Offerle, with 45 kills, led the way for the Threshers this weekend. Threshers Kylah Carter, Jordan Boone, and Darla Crow also continue to be weapons for the Threshers. Offerle, the Threshers’ leader in kills, had this to say about the team atmosphere:
“As a team, we create a super-energized environment,” said Offerle, from Offerle. “We have a lot of energy, focus, and hustle… Everyone gives it their all every day.”
The Threshers have a lot of players with big numbers so far this season, including middle blocker Crow and setter Mia Roman. Crow, a familiar name to see as a multiple time KCAC Defender of the week, had 17 blocks on the weekend. Roman, the Threshers’ primary setter, had 131 assists on the weekend.
While this weekend did not turn out like the Threshers wanted, there are good things that can be taken from the Fayette Invitational and all of the other road trips the team has taken.
“We're learning a lot about leadership & toughness, being on the road all of preseason,” said Leake. “It will make us tougher in the end. Some things we'll continue to work on to win those tough games-- conditioning, out of system play, serving & serve receive.”
Bethel is getting prepared for another of these road trips in the upcoming weekend, as the head to Peru, Neb. to take on William Penn and Peru State.
As Coach Leake says, this weekend the Threshers hope to play “two consistent, clean, disciplined matches from start to finish.” Catch the Threshers’ first match against William Penn on Saturday at 2 p.m.