(DM Photo | Royce Swayze)
Rebel fans had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of what the upcoming season of Ole Miss volleyball will look like Monday night for the Red vs. Blue scrimmage at the Gillom Sports Center.
With the teams evenly divided, the game went to all five sets before the Red team finished off the evening.
Sophomore outside hitter Kate Gibson was a major component to the Red team’s victory. Gibson had 19 kills in the match.
“I think we started off the night a little nervous, but then towards the end everyone was playing great,” Gibson said. “I can’t wait to play Friday.”
As the beginning of the season approaches, head coach Steven McRoberts anxiously waits to see how all of the team’s hard work in the offseason will pay off.
After finishing last season with the highest final record in seven years at 22-10, McRoberts has high expectations for this year’s team.
“Our number one goal is to make it to the NCAA tournament,” McRoberts said. “We’re trying to be top four in the SEC. We’re trying to win all of our non-conference games, too, but this year where we want to see improvement is in SEC play. We feel these newcomers give us a chance to do that.”
With six returning starters and seven new players, the team has no worries concerning depth.
Although it is only the first scrimmage, the skill level and talent on the team is there. Overall rotation flowed smoothly and the new team communicated well.
“I think we have great team chemistry,” freshman outside hitter Kathryn Cather said. “The meshing of coming from high school to college has been a big transition, but I think all of our freshmen are handling it well and bringing their A-game all the time.”
In last night’s scrimmage, Cather finished with 16 kills. Her impressive performance demonstrated that she is more than ready to compete at an elite collegiate level.
In order to achieve sufficient playing time, the players must condition themselves to compete in a competitive conference. Setting a high standard of excellence will establish the tone for the long road ahead. If every member of this Rebel team comes into each practice with a fixed and determined mindset, their hard work will soon overshadow the talent of their other big SEC opponents.
“With so many people in each position, it’s made me work harder. I want to push my teammates, but they’re also doing the same for me,” Gibson stated. “When we’re all at the same level, it makes us want to play so much better.”
However, the battle for playing time has not affected the chemistry of the new team; it’s only helped. Every player spoken to agreed that the new members of the team have done an exceptional job meshing into the new level of play.
No matter what sport, a team is a family. In order for that family to thrive, players have to motivate each other through the battles the long season holds. With so many young players, support from experienced upperclassmen is essential. This Rebel family is prepared for anything this season may throw their way.
The season kicks off on August 28 as Ole Miss prepares to host the Magnolia Invitational. The first serve is set for 6 p.m. against Oral Roberts.
