The Benedictine College Women’s Volleyball team is on track for the Conference Tournament with an overall record of 14-13 and 9-8 in conference play.
This is Victoria Hurtt’s first season coaching the Ravens after arriving in March. She has been impressed by the level of play within their conference.
“We have tough matches every night. It’s an excellent conference and that’s why I came here, because I want to be able to compete every single night,” Hurtt said.
Hailey Folkers, senior defensive specialist and libero, appreciates the assets that the new coach has brought into the program.
“Since Coach Hurtt entering the program, we have improved on every skill set. “I think as a team we embraced everything she told us and wanted to get better individually and as a team,” Folkers said.
In a toss-up conference, the team has been battling and learning from past losses. Folkers sees new opportunities that come along with the new coach.
“This year we have only gone to five [sets] once but we have been playing very well against good teams and sweeping them so that has been fun to be a part of,” Folkers said.
Coach Hurtt is excited for the coming years for the volleyball team as the team is currently very underclassmen heavy.
“We are a young team, but I do think youth is good because you know they’re going to be here for a while, and a couple years down the road we’re going to be really, really good.”
There is an effective mentorship program within the team as the upperclassmen look out for the fresh faces.
Regan Bruggeman, freshman outside hitter, is enjoying her experience as a new member of the Lady Ravens.
“The entire team is very welcoming. We constantly push each other in practice to get better. The team is very supportive, and we hold each other accountable,” Bruggeman said.
The Ravens will take on the Culver Stockton Wildcats for senior day on Saturday at 1 p.m.
