Kills are happening again in the Chiles Center as the 2013 volleyball season begins for the Pilots. The Nike Invitational this past weekend posed a challenging lineup for the Pilots. Despite hanging tough in all three matches vs. Fresno State, Wichita State and Utah State, the Pilots came up just short.
Despite a tough opening tournament, the Pilots have an impressive returning cast and a talented influx of freshmen making this is a very promising season.
Last year ended in disappointment for the Pilots who finished the 2012 season with an overall record of 7-23. They started with a couple exciting wins, most notably their win against Notre Dame, but struggled for the remainder of the season.
Senior Autumn Wedan said, “The team has gotten six new girls and added a lot of different pieces that we were lacking. Last year we were very strong in the front, but lacking in the back, and this year we are really focused on being more well rounded instead of just being big.”
This alteration will help substantially on defense. Last season, when the Pilots’ strong front row was broken, they struggled to maintain their defensive composure. This resulted in many disappointing losses.
The Pilots are looking to improve on that with a strong team dynamic and a talented team.
“We did a better job this year than in past years in integrating our freshmen,” Wedan said. “After the first tournament they aren’t freshmen anymore. They are returners and they have major roles on the team.”
This mentality that every player has an essential role will serve the Pilots well in keeping a cohesive bond that should help them come out as a powerful force in future matches.
In tournament play this past weekend, Wedan led the Pilots with a staggering 33 kills and added 15 digs. The Pilots will be back in action in the Chiles Center again this weekend hosting Toledo, Oregon State and UC Davis at the North Harbour Marriott Challenge. The Chiles Center will echo with floor shattering spikes and powerful digs in what the Pilots hope will result in a winning record for the weekend.
For more photos of women’s volleyball vs. Wichita State, visit the multimedia page.
