Averett’s women’s volleyball team is back in action this fall, looking to improve on a good first season in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). Where they found themselves three sets short of a conference championship against Randolph-Macon. The Cougars are picked fourth this season in the preseason poll and have made themselves a staple in a tough conference.
“We want to put a heavy emphasis on the process,” Head Coach Olivia Earls said. “Last year, of course we were focused on solidifying our place in the ODAC. I think we did that, this year we need to be in the moment and take care on the little details.”
The Cougars kicked off their season with the 27th Annual Cougar Classic where they finished the weekend 3-1 with their one loss coming against the National Christian College Association (NCCAA) champions last year.
“Our conference games primarily played on Fridays and Saturdays,” Earls said. “The weekends we don’t have conference games we schedule non-conference tournaments which are great for us, allowing us to see different competition, as well as get a lot of touches. This season will be traveling to Ohio to play some good teams we wouldn’t usually see.”
Earls is looking to challenge the team with a tough non-conference slate.
“The ODAC has a really good strength of schedule,” Earls said. “But there are so many other teams that will elevate our game, so come postseason we will be ready.”
The Cougar’s roster looks a little different this year with eight freshman that joined the team this off season.
“As a leader, we have been trying to get our freshman on board with our culture here,” senior captain Emma Nash said. “There have been some growing pains, but if we keep focusing on the minor details as upperclassmen. The freshman will continue to pick up the mentality we need to win.”
The Cougars kick off ODAC play September 12th at Lynchburg University, then have a week before facing another ODAC opponent. During that week they play Virginia University of Lynchburg and Pfeiffer University at home Thursday September 14th at home in the Grant Center.
“Playing at home gives the team a lot of energy,” Nash said. “When we play at home we expect the fans to be just as energetic as we are. It has a huge impact on the game and will make it hard for any team to play with us in our gym.”
This season make sure to make it to the home volleyball games, as they look compete for the ODAC championship this season.
“Our expectation as a team is to go back and win the (championship) game this year,” Nash said.
