Boston College Athletics
Eagles Read To Take On BIG EAST Foes
October 02, 2003 | Volleyball
Oct. 2, 2003
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. -
Volleyball will face their toughest opponents of the season this weekend on a two game road trip that will bring them 1500 miles away from home. Boston College will open the weekend on Friday against Virginia Tech and then go a little deeper to Miami.
The Eagles (11-4, 1-1 BIG EAST) have had a smooth season up to this point. They opened with several small tournaments and dominated for the most part. Last weekend BC hosted West Virginia and Pittsburgh in the first conference matches of the season and walked away 1-1. The win over WVU boosted morale and confidence of the young squad. The outstanding effort on Sunday against Pitt kept the match within arm's reach but it was not enough and the Eagles lost 3-2. Now after having a few days to regroup and strategize, the team is looking at their highly ranked conference opponents as an opportunity to show how good they can be.
"I know the whole team is just ready to play and mentally we're already focused, physically I know everyone's already there," junior Katie Andersen said. "I know personally, coming from the program over the past two years that I'm so ready to beat V. Tech and Miami."
Andersen is a veteran to the squad, a product of former BC volleyball coach Jackie Hadel and now a leader on Andrea Leonard's. The outside hitter from Oakdale, Calif., believes that BC is more competitive now than it has been in the past. The freshmen count on her leadership as a teammate to guide them. A majority of the team has never seen this level of play and will be going in with the best intentions to be the aggressor.
"I think it's almost a nervous excitement," Andersen said. "Not nervous or anxious, we just really want to go out there and show we can hang with the best of the best."
Freshman Alison Shepp nodded along and is confident with the team. "Honestly, we have nothing to lose and we want to give it our all and go after them."
Since coming together as a team just over a month ago, the Eagles have been working on many levels to build the volleyball program to be a top competitor. Head Coach Andrea Leonard has stepped in and believes that BC can make an impression in the BIG EAST.
"I think we've grown tremendously," Leonard said. "Not just physically on the court have we gotten better, but emotionally, mentally we've gotten a lot better on the court."
The team has taken the time to visualize their goals and make a plan on how to achieve them. Leonard gives credit to a BC athletic psychologist who has taken part in shaping the team.
"Working with George Mumford has been a huge asset for us, for the team and myself. It's given us another pair of eyes and a pair of ears that can really kind of take a look at what's happening and inter-workings of the team."
Now the Eagles have the Hokies and the 'Canes in their sights, and it will be up to them to determine the outcome. The rookie head coach is confident that no matter in whose favor the weekend goes, it will still be beneficial to team.
"I think this is a great opportunity for Boston College volleyball to earn some respect within its own team, its own program and that will emanate throughout the rest of the conference that we're here to play and that we're really serious about volleyball and getting to that next level."
Virginia Tech's numbers are similar to BC's, but what's not is their record. The Hokies are 8-8 in 2003, but 2-0 at home. They are coming off a two-match win streak, defeating BIG EAST competitors Rutgers, 3-0, and Seton Hall, 3-1. Va. Tech averages 14.5 kills per game, holding their opponents offense to just 13.8 kills per game. The Eagles have been putting up similar offensive numbers with 14.2 kills per game and keeping opponents to just 11.4. It will be up to the defense to make a big impact.
"I mean, what may lack in hitting we make up with our digs. Our defense is extremely scrappy plus on our aces we're 22 in the nation," Andersen said. "Hitting is great, offense is great, but unless you can pass the ball..."
Miami will most likely be a much stronger opponent. Last year, the Hurricanes were one of the strongest teams in the conference, and have continued to plow through opponents during this campaign as well. They are also coming into the weekend after two big wins over BIG EAST opponents, beating Seton Hall 3-0 and Rutgers 3-1. Freshman Jill Robbins was honored by the conference as Rookie of the Week after making 52 assists against Rutgers last weekend. Miami averages 16.4 kills per game this year, with over two blocks per game and 15.2 defensive digs. All around their numbers make them a tough team to beat.
"Playing teams like Virginia Tech and Miami who are number two and number four [V. Tech fourth, Miami second- BIG EAST standings]- it will definitely help us get to that level," Leonard said. "So that's what it's all about this weekend is just getting some respect for ourselves."
The Eagles will head to Blacksburg, Va. to meet up with Virginia Tech on Friday at 7 p.m., and then off to Miami to meet the 'Canes on Sunday at 2 p.m.
