War Eagle Conference volleyball started off on Tuesday night with a matchup in Marcus between MMCRU and Akron-Westfield. The Westerners of Akron-Westfield won the match in straight sets by scores of 25-18, 25-11, and 25-13.
It is no surprise that the Westerners are off to such a strong 2-1 start to the year. With a roster made up of eight seniors, Akron-Westfield is proving itself to be a tough team to knock off this season. Akron-Westfield head coach Robyn Van Eldik says the seniors are hungry to push the team to new heights.
Akron-Westfield scored the first six points of the match and never looked back hardly being down in the contest the rest of the way. They did that with a strong and balanced offensive attack with six players tallying multiple kills for the match and three recording six-or-more kills. Coach Van Eldik says having that many weapons keeps opposing teams guessing.
MMCRU was guessing most of the night leading to many touches that were not up to par. MMCRU head coach Heather Youde says that guessing was due in part to some poor communication which snowballed into the poor touches.
The Westerners showed great communication throughout the match and played an overall clean contest. Coach Van Eldik says having a group of girls that is very familiar with each other means they are all on the same page during a match.
MMCRU is now trying to figure out how to best utilize the talent they have. Coach Youde says this 0-2 start is frustrating considering the girls are better than they are letting on in matches.
The 0-2 start for the Royals looks even more daunting considering the schedule takes them to the seventh-ranked Hinton Blackhawks on Thursday. Coach Youde says it will be a quick turnaround, but she is hoping the girls will be ready.
Akron-Westfield’s 2-1 start is thanks in large part to some strong practices that prepare them well for games. Coach Van Eldik hopes that intensity in practices can continue to translate to meaningful play during matches.
The Westerners are next in action at a tournament hosted by Boyden-Hull on Thursday.
