Winless Belles look to end slide
By ALICIA ORTIZ
Sports Writer
The Belles volleyball team has nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Two games and one tournament into the 2000 season, it has not brought home a single victory.
Today the victory could come to them.
The Belles play their home opener tonight against the Kalamazoo College Hornets at 6:30 p.m.
"I think the home court advantage will definitely help us," said Victoria Butcko, senior defensive specialist.
"This is our first home game, I hope we will be able to resurrect and play as a team," said freshman LeighAnne Matesich.
The Belles are not relying on optimism alone to carry them against Kalamazoo, however.
"We have been working on reaction defense drills, going for everything, so nothing will hit the floor," Butcko said. "Kalamazoo has always been a solid team and we have played well against them."
Last year, the Belles defeated Kalamazoo in the first round of the MIAA volleyball tournament.
The Hornets are 3-6 with a roster of mostly upperclassmen.
The 0-7 Belles are a young team, with only four veteran players.
"I am encouraged by the energy level in practice. If we can carry that on Tuesday, we will do very well," said coach Julie Schroeder-Biek. "We have worked a lot on communication and ball control in practice."
"We are here because we want to play," said Angie Meyers, senior outside attacker. "We need to hit well and play smart."
After losing to Kalamazoo last year, the Belles are ready to defend their home court against the Hornets.
"We have a lot of heart and desire," Meyers said.
In spite of all the losses, everything this year is a learning experience for the Belles and their coach.
The Belles explained they find support in their coach and each other. They say they hope they will also have the support of the Saint Mary's community.
"As a freshman I am excited to see what kind of support there will be, and to use it as positive energy to play well," Matesich said.
All Sports Stories for Tuesday, September 12, 2000
