Gabby Gardner/ The Johnsonian
The Winthrop Women’s Volleyball team participated in the Cristi Curtis Invitational on Aug. 30 and 3 at the Winthrop Coliseum. This marks the first tournament of the season, as our Eagles claimed victory against Morehead State and Davidson University, as well as facing North Carolina A&T State University. The main draw was the matches against Morehead State and Davidson University, which defensive specialist and junior graphic design major Savannah Roper noted as the biggest moment of the event.
“The highlight of the tournament was defeating Morehead State in the 5th set 17–15. During that game we were down 0–2 in the first two sets and were able to battle together as a team to win the last three sets for the win. It shows that our team has resilience and the determination to win,” Roper said.
Outsider hitter Jace Kleffner, senior art history major and outdoor leadership minor, commented on the exhilarating victories during the tournament and how the bonds of the team translated into play during the matches.
“I think the team pulled out a couple wins that were unexpected but we really played well together and the trust is strong. We played according to the game plan given to us by the coaches and were successful. We care about each other so much on and off of the court that it transfers into our play. We have so much potential growth and it feels good to have a 4–0 winning record so far,” Kleffner said.
Outside hitter and junior business accounting major Nikkia Benitez noted how the tournament was a cause for success and reflection for the remainder of the season, especially as both Friday games were close matches with Winthrop winning three sets out of five.
“This tournament showed us that we have the potential to be a strong team and compete with some big name, top-rank teams, but we have to continually work hard and grow every aspect of our game even if it is the strongest part of our game,” Benitez said.
The results of the Cristi Curtis Tournament showed the volleyball team what they need to improve on for future games both on and off the court.
“The tournament inspired the team to work hard for every point. This tournament also proved to us that all of our hard work has paid off from preseason, but also allowed us to notice the things we need to work on to become even better as a team, like how we need to have more first ball side-outs and start off our games putting more pressure on our opponents,” Roper said.
One of the important notes for the teammates was to work together on the court and find their rhythm during each upcoming tournament they participate in this fall.
“Teamwork is important because you can’t play a game of volleyball by yourself. You need the help of other people in order to succeed. Especially since all 3 contacts cannot be made in a row by the same person. You need a person to pass the ball then a person to set the ball and person to hit the ball. Which is why volleyball requires a team effort,” Benitez said.
“Coach Chuck Rey and the assistants provide us with so many good drills and scout figures that the team is more than prepared for the season. We also compete against high level teams in our preseason tournaments that will further elevate us for the upcoming conference games,” Kleffner said.
“My personal goals for this season is to win the Big South Conference, being engaged and working hard in every play, having my teammate’s backs, and being the positive energizer on the team,” Roper said.The Winthrop Volleyball team’s next tournament will be the Georgia Southern Invitational in Statesboro, Georgia, on Sept. 13 and 14. The upcoming Winthrop Invitational is set for Sept. 19 and 20 at 6 p.m. at the Winthrop Coliseum.
