Muskingum women's volleyball has their eye on the prize

The Muskingum University women's volleyball team, led by Head Coach Elizabeth Zicha, hold an 8-2 record following their three set win over Susquehanna University on Sept. 7. The team continues to work hard with hopes of competing and finishing in the upper tier of the Ohio Athletic Conference.

With that goal in mind, Zicha has pinpointed the key components of the game that the team will need to focus on early this season.

"Consistency is the key to having a winning season and finishing in the top half of the conference," said Zicha.

Zicha is not the only one with that goal in mind this year.

"Staying consistent is the key to winning," said junior Hanna Rose. "We have to minimize our mental errors and come together as a whole."

Working toward consistency already, the lady Muskie's were able to reach their goal in their last tournament, the Washington and Jefferson tournament, winning all four games in three sets with Rose leading the team with 49 kills throughout 10 games.

Behind Rose is senior McKensie Smith, who had 46 goals throughout the 10 game period.

Zicha attributes part of the team's success to their heavy emphasis on practice this season, strong focuson technique, and repetition of drills.

"Practices have to be more intense because you have to make them practice as hard as they'll have to play," said Zicha. "Practicing harder than you will play in a game makes game days easy and enjoyable."

The Muskingum women's volleyball team's next match will come this Wednesday,Sept.14 vs. Oberlin College where they will look for their ninth win of the season.

Following this game, the lady Muskie's will have seven more matches before they enter OAC play with a home opener vs. Ohio Northern University on Sept. 27.