(HASTINGS) – Looking to get off to a hot start to begin the 2024 volleyball season, head coach Alex Allard has noticed improved depth and an uptick in the level of competition in the early season practices.
“I think one of the biggest things is the amount of depth we have in all of the positions. It was something that we lacked last year so I’m really excited about that, just having more options. The other thing is the level of competition from the incoming freshman class has been really nice. It’s worked out really well with the upperclassmen who have established themselves in the program and are excited to be leaders this year,” Allard said.
In preparation for the 2024 season, senior defensive specialist Miriam Miller said the team focused on their weight room program and open gym sessions.
“We had a four-day weights program and every time I was in the weight room there were multiple other girls in there with us. We had open gyms about two times a week and we were always competitive,” Miller said.
In looking towards the season, Miller also noted that fans can expect plenty of energy from the team.
“I think that they (fans) can expect a lot of energy, hopefully some dancing, lots of new cheers to be involved in and lots of high energy,” Miller continued.
Senior outside hitter Majesta Valasek has been one of the team leaders in helping the underclassmen get ready to play at the collegiate level.
“Our keys are showing up every day to practice working hard, supporting each other unconditionally, and also holding each other accountable to come in and work every day as hard as you can and be as consistent as possible,” Valasek said. “As a leader of the team, I’m just holding myself to the standard of trying to be the best example I can be, working on and off the court, and giving a hundred percent every play.”
Picked to finish seventh in the preseason GPAC polls this year, Allard is confident that the team can top those predictions.
“The level of competition in our gym is a lot higher this year and I feel like we’re easily going to exceed the seventh position in the GPAC. Our goal is to be top four in the GPAC by the end of the season,” Allard said.
Senior defensive specialist and outside hitter Dacey Sealey reiterated those same conference goals and highlighted the teams’ focus on consistency.
“We’ve been talking about our goals a lot this first week,” Sealey said. “Like coach said, we’d love to be in the top four in the GPAC. That’s a big goal for the team. We’re also working on a consistent attitude and just consistency in the gym every day at practice and games. We kind of get a little rocky so our goal is to stay consistent throughout the whole season.”
The season gets underway on Friday, Aug. 16 against Oklahoma City University at the Bulldog Bash in Seward, NE.
“I think from previous years we always come out really hot. We have a lot of energy and we’re always ready for the first game. We want to win, we want to have fun, but I think a lot of it is just how we finish in the end,” Sealey concluded.
The two Bulldog Bash matches at Friedrich Arena in Seward, NE will take place starting at 4pm on Aug. 16, with Lewis-Clark State College at 12:30pm on Aug. 17th.
