More assertive style encouraged for NLC women’s volleyball team

Looking for the first win of the season, the North Lake Blazers volleyball team came up short, losing 3-0 to defending national champion Brookhaven Bears on Oct. 6.

The Blazers gave a valiant performance against the Bears in the final two games, but they were defeated 30-18 in both games. The team kept the games tight in the middle, but seemed to lose momentum near the end when the Bears rallied to win the final points of each game.

Coach Steve Cummings, who took over the program in 2004, praised the team’s performance in the last two games.

“I was real pleased at the effort,” said Cummings. “We showed that we could play with them at times and that is what we need to know. We need to know if we have players here that will help build the team down the road and we do have those players here. I think we could build a team to play at their level in the next year or two.”

The Blazers seemed overwhelmed by the Bears’ speed and high-power offense. They lost the first game by a score of 30-6 and were outplayed on every level.

“I think the first game we didn’t have much flow [on defense]; we just sat and watched them play,” he said. “They’re just a better program than we are, but in the next few years we will be at their level.”

A loss to the defending national champions can help the coaching staff measure the team’s progress to date. Cummings feels his team can learn from this experience and use it to build their confidence.

“We have come a long way from when we started,” he said. “We have had to change up a few things and they’ve really adapted to it. When they go out there, implement it, and do the things we ask them to do, as far as where they play, we’ve had a lot of success.”

The team practiced on Sunday in preparation for their next game against Richland. Cummings will employ a more aggressive style of play for the Blazers. He feels an assertive style of play will lead the team to be more competitive in close games.

“When we go out there in our old mode, which is passive, that is where we struggle,” he said. “I am trying to get them to be more proactive when they are out there. We need to force teams to make great shots and [we need to] put the pressure on the other team.”

Richland defeated North Lake in August of this season. The Blazers would like to avenge their loss with their improved defensive strategy.

“The first time we played them we didn’t play well at all,” Cummings said. “We got a feel for what they are. We are doing something new on defense and we are playing a lot better. So, I think we will do really well.”

North Lake took the court against Richland Oct. 10, where they lost the first game 30-10. The Blazers rallied back in the second game of the match against the Thunderducks. It was a hard-fought battle on both ends with Richland edging out the Blazers by a score of 32-30. Richland won the final game 30-13.

Up next for the Blazers was Eastfield on Oct. 20. The Blazers came out firing in their first game but came up short, losing 30-22. In the next game, Eastfield gained control early to score a dominating 30-14 victory. North Lake showed tremendous heart in the third game by battling back from being down early. Eastfield rallied in the end to take the game by a score of 30-21.

“We played well today,” said outside hitter Emily Smith. “We just need to communicate better. All around everything was good. We just need to step it up one more notch.”

The Blazers will finish their season against Brookhaven on Oct. 24. The team hopes that all their hard work and determination this year will pay off next season.

“We definitely made a lot of progress this year,” she said. “Next year will be a lot better. We will come out better and stronger next year.”