Saint Mary's readies for tough tourney
By KATIE McVOY
After hard week of practice, the Saint Mary's volleyball team is looking to leave it's mark at this weekend's tournament at Ohio Northern.
"After our second-place finish last weekend, we are hoping to play just as well or better this weekend," senior Agnes Bill said.
The Ohio Northern Tournament — one of the season's toughest — is run round-robin fashion. The top teams are determined by their total numbers of wins and losses.
"This is one of the most competitive tournaments of the season," said coach Randa Shields. "All around everyone is at an advanced level."
Shields is looking to show this year's competition that her team can be a real contender.
"We're not going to let the other teams think that we are an easy victory," said Shields. "They are going to have to fight if they want to win."
The Belles practiced hard on offense this week.
"We've worked on a smarter offense — playing more shots and smarter tips," Shields said.
A good performance this weekend will help the Belles' team morale.
"It would put confidence into the girls," said Shields. "Also, St. Mary's is slowly beginning to be looked at as a competitive team. If we could gain that confidence in ourselves, then other teams would see us as a contender."
Saint Mary's will test its skills against Manchester at 3:30 p.m. Friday. The Belles were victorious in both meetings with Manchester last season.
The Belles then will face Mount Saint Joseph.
All Sports Stories for Friday, September 10, 1999
