Last year, the Wright State volleyball team won its first Horizon League regular season title in program history and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. In January, the Raiders were picked in the Horizon League preseason poll to repeat as champions, but so far this year has had some challenges.<\/p>\n
When the delayed season began, players and coaches had to adapt to COVID-19 measures to keep players and staff safe, including no fans at games, social distancing from teammates, quarantining and wearing masks during practices and competitions.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been challenging, but it\u2019s one of those things that we are just happy with anything at all,\u201d said Allie Matters, head volleyball coach.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring the break we did a lot more cardio work so we would be prepared to wear the masks,\u201d said Lainey Stephenson, junior setter.<\/p>\n
Matters said it\u2019s been challenging to limit the team\u2019s circle beyond players and staff. \u201cWe\u2019ve really had to depend on each other for all of our ups and downs throughout the season, and it\u2019s brought us a lot closer,\u201d said Matters.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re like sisters,\u201d said Megan Alders, sophomore outside hitter. \u201cIt\u2019s like a huge family to us.”<\/p>\n
Matters said this season has taught her team about the importance of family and the Wright State community. \u201cWhen we are able to safely have fans again, we\u2019re going to appreciate it that much more,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Wright State volleyball team was picked in the Horizon League preseason poll to repeat as champions, but so far this year has had some challenges. Continue reading