By Peter Gallagher |
WHAT’S THE HEADLINE?
Records are convenient, but they rarely tell a story. Marginal losses and blowout wins are still losses and wins. After one look at the 0-16 Pilots volleyball record, one might make assumptions. But senior outside hitter Autumn Wedan doesn’t want to hear them.
“It’s hard for people on the outside to understand our season,” Wedan said. “Because what you guys see is a win-loss record, which is a reflection of it, but underlying all of this is the work we put in. We’re getting better every day and everyone is still 100 percent committed.”
In 2012, the Pilots went 1-15 in conference play and 7-23 overall. The roster was made up of eight upperclassmen. This season, the Pilots start five freshmen, no sophomores, and a handful of juniors and seniors. Where some might see inexperience, Wedan and head coach Joe Houck see potential.
“We don’t have any sophomores,” Wedan said. “We don’t have that middle transition ground. You’re an incoming freshman and you’re playing, or you’re someone who’s been here for two or three years.”
Houck, now in his fifth year on the Bluff, cannot help but smile as he talks about this year’s squad.
“In any given year, (the freshmen) would have come in and been a redshirt, or maybe just been a support player and learned during practice, but (this season) they’re learning on the court,” Houck said. “They’re eager to do the extra things that pay off not just short term, but long term as well. Their growth has been amazing.”
With a devoted and experienced group of seniors leading the charge and a talented core of freshmen surpassing early expectations, the Pilots head coach continues to keep morale high despite the difficult start to the season.
“It’s easier with a younger group,” said Houck. “What has made it easier this season is that we know we’re getting better. We can feel it. We can see it with the stats, we can see it with the results, we can see it in the things we’re able to do offensively and defensively.”
Graduation, transfers and injuries presented opportunities for newcomers on the 2013 Pilots squad to shine. Freshman Katie Sullivan is among those that have made an immediate impact on the floor, despite the pressure of being thrown head-first into the elite ranks of WCC volleyball.
“Everything we’re doing right now is really positive,” Sullivan said. “I think what we’re doing is setting us up for success in the future of this season and in the future of this program. To go through this, to go through a season where you don’t always win, (we) use it as an impetus for future winning.
“Going forward, since we already have experience in our freshman year, we’re getting training and court time. It’s really helpful for confidence and knowing how to play at this level. Playing on the court helps so much more than practice.”
So far, the Pilots are 0-7 in WCC play. After a difficult loss to Gonzaga on Oct. 12, in which they won the first two sets only to fall to the Bulldogs 3-2. The Pilots realize they must glean all they can from every match, no matter the outcome.
“It’s a lesson. With every downfall, we learn something new about ourselves,” Wedan said of the loss to Gonzaga. “There’s a difference in what you pick up from games you get completely blown out, and then games you start out really good and then lose, or start with losses and try to pick yourself back up. Each one brings something new to the table.”
The Pilots have yet to hit the halfway mark in conference play. After their strong showing against Gonzaga, there is a growing sense among players and coaches that a reversal of the team’s fortunes is imminent, and the continued hard work and perseverance will pay dividends in the win column.
“The results have not been at all what we want or expected,” Houck said. “But the reality is that we’re working hard. It’s a very positive feeling in the gym right now … With this young team, it’s a little bit like Christmas. You open it up, and you see what you got.”
