Winthrop Volleyball has gotten off to a hot start this season and these ladies have no intentions of slowing down.
In their most recent non-conference matches, the Eagles successfully took on Furman (27–25, 21–25, 25–13, 25–22) and Appalachian State (25–19, 25–23, 23–25, 25–21)
The team’s roster, which includes five seniors this season, brings a lot of experience to the floor. Senior outside hitter, Jace Kleffner, is one experienced player who had two strong games against Furman (eight kills and two blocks) and against Appalachian State (12 kills and one block), and she credits her personal gains to her teammates.
“The games could not have been won without the collection of everyone,” Kleffner said. “I cannot be successful if my teammates do not do their job and everyone did their jobs. Our team is incredibly successful if we are disciplined in our positions and that leads to everyone’s success.”
Kleffner notes that the months leading up to the season aided the team tremendously.
“Preseason was so successful, the coaches matched us up against very skilled teams which forced us to up our play,” Kleffner said. “The teams we played in our preseason line-up are really skilled teams, and they prepared us for conference.”
Along with the Eagles’ stellar record, the team currently holds the top spot in the Big South volleyball standings. The Eagles were predicted to rank third amongst the 10 Big South teams during preseason rankings. The current success of the team displays how focused the Eagles are on their game, rather than the preseason predictions.
The team opened 2019 conference play against Presbyterian College on Friday, September 27.
“My mindset going into conference is to add whatever I can to my team in whatever capacity is needed,” Kleffner said prior to the conference opener.
The match proved to be a battle, but the Eagles came out on top, claiming the match in four sets (24–26, 25–12, 25–22, 26–24).
Kleffner looks to carry the collective team energy into the rest of the season.
“Support and heart is what this season is all about for me,” Kleffner said. “I love my team and my coaches and I am confident this year’s championship is ours for the taking, but it starts now.”
While the seniors are often seen as the leaders for a team, recognition is not reserved for just the veterans.
Camila Gomez Hein is a sophomore who transferred to Winthrop from Georgia Southern University after one season. Gomez Hein led the team in kills in the match against Appalachian State.
“The captains and upperclassmen did a very good job working on our relationships and showing how things work here at Winthrop,” Gomez Hein said. “Our preseason was mainly focused on our relationships, knowing each other better and trusting us on the court.”
Gomez Hein hails from Chile and praises the team for her welcome.
“My experience has been great,” Gomez Hein said. “I love my teammates and I have felt a part of this family since the minute I got here. I feel really welcomed and have not even had time to miss my country.”
Gomez Hein has certainly made her mark on the team and just as her teammates, she is ready to build on the winning streak.
“Our goal is to win the conference, we have been doing a good job in the preseason and now it is time to show that when conference starts,” Gomez Hein said in the days leading up to the start of conference play. “I’m pretty confident in this team, I know we will do a good job, we have to keep working hard and believing in each other.”
The Eagles have provided fans with thriller matches at Winthrop Coliseum.Volleyball pushed for another Big South win versus Charleston Southern (26– 24, 32–34, 25-17, 25–16) on Saturday, September 28.
The Eagles went 7–3 in their September matchups. The win over Charleston Southern, boosted the Eagles to remain perfect at home as they enter October.
Following three weeks of road play, the Eagles will return to Winthrop Coliseum on October 18.
Photo: La J’ai Reed/ The Johnsonian
