Coming off a successful pre-season tournament run, it looked like the Valparaiso University Volleyball team would contend for a top two seed in the conference. When the final standings were revealed, the Crusaders had locked up a three seed and would play the University of Illinois at Chicago in the opening round. I sat down with Lexie Bouza and Rachel Bruinsma to get their take on how the season went and what could be improved.
The first thing I asked was how it felt being a three seed when the team thought they could win the regular season and host the conference tournament. "I thought it was possible to get higher, but once the season started winding down, the seeding was pretty much set," sophomore right side/defensive specialist Lexie said. Outside hitter Rachel said that getting the third seed was good.
The biggest problem was the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee Panthers. In the three meetings, the Panthers walked away victorious every time. "We really need to work on the mental game in the offseason," Lexie said. "There are a lot of little things that need to be worked on and improved in the offseason," Rachel told me.
When asked about what it was like to not win the regular season after a succesful preseason start, Lexie told me that anyone could win the season. Rachel said that there wasn't much change over the course of the season.
The biggest letdown had to be not winning conference. Since joining the Horizon League, the Crusaders have never made the NCAA Volleyball Tournament. Lexie said that it sucked, but that they will work hard in the offseason. Rachel said that it was a good season overall.
Losing the seniors is always hard. But one player that will be missed is senior Right Side Morgan Beil. "There are a lot of good freshmen coming in, so I think it won't be that big of a loss," Lexie said. "We have a good group of freshmen coming, so it shouldn't be hard to replace her," Rachel told me.
Will the team finally end the drought and advance to the NCAA Volleyball tournament? The answer remains to be seen.
