Volleyball drops both in home tri-match
Waynesburg volleyball team dropped 4-13 on the season and 1-3 in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.
Waynesburg fell 3-0 to Geneva in the first match of the day. The Jackets lost 15-25 in their first and second sets. Right until the very end of the match, Waynesburg fought hard to compete with Geneva.
One thing head coach Stephanie Benkowski believes the team can learn from during their game is playing as a team for the entire match. It was evident that the Jackets played hard for the first half of each set, but then faltered shortly after.
Junior Kourtney Skinner led the team in kills with nine. Junior Jessica Dorazio led the team in digs with 12, and freshman Delaney Denniston led the team with 16 assists.
After a disappointing loss, Waynesburg’s emotions were very prominent in the first set against Grove City College. Frustrated, Waynesburg made crucial errors within the first few points of the set, which foreshadowed how the rest of the match progressed.
Waynesburg lost the first set 25-13 as well as the second and third set 25-14. Shannon Morgan led the team in kills with seven, Denniston led with 15 assists, and Dorazio led the team in digs with 13.
After many setbacks, it seems as if Waynesburg volleyball may finally get the break that it deserved. With the loss of their starting setter, Morgan Newbauer, Denniston has stepped up as the new setter. This freshman, who has seen very little playing time through the beginning of the season, is now a key component for the team.
”It’s a lot to go from a player that didn’t really get in at all, to one that never comes out,” said Denniston. “I’m just happy I get to play.”
Denniston realizes that with playing comes responsibility. “I’m still trying to learn all my jobs while on the court,” said Denniston. “It’s a big step. But with my team and coaches pushing me, I think I will improve.”
Benkowski seems very impressed with Denniston.
”She may have not been ready for this position but she has stepped up and done a great job,” said Benkowski. “She is ready for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Although the loss of Newbauer brought a shock to the team, Benkowski believes in the team and is looking forward to the rest of the season. As the Jackets start their PAC conference games, Benkowski sees a difference in them that they didn’t have in the beginning of the year.
”They are starting to mesh well together,” said Benkowski. “We are in an uphill battle, and in the end we will succeed. The curve balls that have been thrown are making the girls want to fight and fight hard; not just as individuals but as a team.”
The Yellow Jackets look to get rid of their three-game losing streak and strive for two wins this weekend.
Waynesburg’s next PAC matches will be on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., when it takes on Thomas More and Thiel in Crestview Hills, Kentucky.