ELIZABETH ALDERFER Staff Writer
Thresher Volleyball has been served many unusual circumstances thus far in their season. For all the teams, this fall has brought anxiety for all of the unknowns. However, our team of Thresher women has overcome much adversity and the season is only halfway over.
The team is grateful to have the opportunity to play, as many teams around the nation do not.
“Our season has shown us how to be flexible, adapt, and adjust,” Head Coach Stacy Middleton said.
The team has their largest roster in years, with 24 players, and Middleton admires the team working hard through the pandemic to move forward. The team has many transfers and incoming freshmen in addition to those returning.
“Our team dynamic is really good this year. We get along really well and have great team chemistry. This has always been a strength of the Bethel Volleyball team and it's something we pride ourselves on,” Mia Loganbill, junior, said.
COVID-19 has made the volleyball team’s year unique and challenging.
“This year has been difficult, but it’s not been easy for anyone; so we just have to keep working and stay as healthy as possible,” Middeton said.
Practicing with masks and limiting contact in drills is “normal” this year and the team has responded well to it. Recently, the team unexpectedly had to complete a two-week quarantine, where they were unable to practice and games were postponed. This period has been tough on the team and will continue to be as some players will have to undergo the process of lengthy protocol to return to play. Loganbill is confident in her fellow Threshers.
“Everyone else on the team will have to step up and fill in, but I'm sure we can rise to the challenge,” Loganbill said.
As of now, the team has only been able to play six matches due to the postponing, cancelling, and changing of the schedule. While the matches have not resulted in the Threshers favor in the win column, Coach Middleton is proud of the strides the team has made to improve. Additionally, Loganbill and her teammates are confident wins will come with more practice and the gain of consistency. The last six matches have needed to be rescheduled due to COVID-19, but the team is eager to get back on the court.
Keep your eyes open for updates to the volleyball schedule as it continues to change. Everyone is hoping for a healthy and strong finish to the season. If you get the opportunity to watch these ladies play, go support them in a way safe to you and the other fans. Let’s support these Threshers as they continue to ROLL ON!
