Volleyball continuing to build in preseason
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Huntingdon volleyball team and men's and women's soccer teams began preseason practice on Aug. 17.
An update for each team's preseason will be featured this week, beginning with volleyball.
Volleyball
The Hawks are coming off one of their best seasons during the NCAA era. Huntingdon reached 20 wins for the first time since 2005 and finished with a 21-12 record. In the process, the Hawks put together a seven-match winning streak and reached the USA South Athletic Conference Tournament for a third straight season.
The Hawks entered the preseason with 19 players, including 11 returning players.
Huntingdon opens the season in the Maryville College Tournament on Aug. 30-31.
Brady on the team's progress in the preseason: "The returners definitely came back championship hungry. They are very focused on exactly what it is going to take to fight for a successful season. We return half of the starting lineup from last season and the remaining returners worked very hard in the spring season to establish themselves and be ready to contend for positions. You can really see the setter/hitter connection between Ashley Murphy and our attackers after a focused spring season with her being the only setter in training."
Brady on the priority of the preseason: "Our priority during the preseason is to continue to develop the on-court trust and relationship between our setters and hitters and to continue to work on serve receive. The girls know our weaknesses from last season and why we fell short at the end. We have definitely improved the overall level of communication and leadership in the gym and we're approaching each day with the right mentality."
Brady on the team's developing chemistry: "Right now we are working through all of our connections and relationships on the floor with every player. Due to the skill level of volleyball that is now in the gym, we can focus on eliminating errors in all skill sets. We are able to really focus our attention on having a higher level IQ of the game and how to work on being one of the most athletic and dynamic teams in the conference and one of the most precise in execution."