By VICTORIA ADDISON
Sports Editor
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The Saint Rose volleyball team competed in its home opener this season, hosting both the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and Roberts Wesleyan College. The Golden Knights were victorious in both matches.
Going into the game, Coach Brian Goodale said, “I definitely feel the team is prepared. It is still early in the season so we are a work in progress.” The team was chosen to finish fourth in the Northeast-10 Conference according to the coaches’ preseason poll. So far, it holds a record of 2-2 with losses from the New York Institute of Technology and Dowling College, both of which were neutral-site games.
Goodale also mentioned that at this point in the season, the team’s speed and offensive ability are amongst its strong points.
“We have a lot of good power, we can run a fast offense,” he said. On the defensive side of the ball, the team excels as a big blocking team who, as Goodell said it, “is relentless in terms of back row defense.”
The team’s senior leadership and experience as are also strong points thus far into the season. Goodale said, “The team has been working extremely hard and is very hungry.” He feels that the team can face whatever adversity is thrown its way. Both he and the players were excited going into Saturday’s home opener.
The first match pitted St. Rose against Pitt-Johnstown. Despite finding themselves down in the first two sets, the Golden Knights propelled themselves forward to win the match 3-2. The win was sealed in the fifth set by sophomore outside hitter Maryellen Devic, who had 2 kills. Devic and freshman hitter Maddy Halverson also had a block assist each in the final set that contributed toward the win.
In the second match, St. Rose started off in the lead against Roberts Wesleyan. After 5 forced ties and 4 lead changes, St. Rose regained the lead to finish off the first set. The rest of the match proved to be a battle for both teams, but at the end, the Golden Knights stayed strong and ended with a 3-0 win.
The volleyball team plays again today at Mercy College. Its next home game is on Tuesday, Sept.30 at 7:00 p.m. against Southern Connecticut State University. The team and Coach Goodell encourage everyone to attend home games and support the team. “Volleyball is exciting,” said Coach Goodell, “Come support the team.”
