The Guilfordian

As the glare of the lights beams off the gymnasium floor, a squad suited in maroon armor sweeps the court. A team of six lady athletes storm the hardwood and congregate in an arm-woven circle to strategize their conquering technique. Their plan: kill.

There will be no bloodshed, however. Rather the kill will be a swift swat of the arm, crushing the ball on their opponent's side with no chance for return. These warriors I speak of are your Guilford volleyball Lady Quakers.

The Quakers recently closed out their season at 7-20, a record they look to build from in the upcoming seasons.

"We might not have had the best record this year, but we worked hard and long all season," said junior transfer Shanika Tunnel, "and I feel that we played 100 percent each time we took to the court. To me, it is a successful season if one can say they gave 100 percent effort."

This competitive drive that fueled the force on the court throughout the season is equally important to the players' off-season training.

The team looks forward to the return of nine letter-winners next year, with a good mix of older and younger players that will create strong leadership and team bonding.

"It will be good for our team chemistry. Rebecca Jones, Kaci Loeffler, and Meagan Tucker are all great players who will return as seniors," said Head Coach Emily Hayes. "Rebecca and Kaci are our team captains and have their own particular roles on the court as leaders; but Meagan Tucker and our returning freshmen have great competitive spirits, which will allow them to be leaders as well."

Players like first-years Courtney Kozar, Anna Miller and Haley Ortmann bring great potential to the future of the team.

"Courtney, Anna and Haley have given the team a faster, stronger, and more competitive offense," Hayes said. "These three student-athletes finished their first season as the top three hitters on our team."

Miller, who led the team in kills, service aces and points, and also received All-ODAC (Old Dominion Athletic Conference) Honorable Mention, and the rest of the team are optimistic about next year.

"The girls showed up, played, sweat and worked hard all fall," Loeffler said. "As for next season, I feel our determination can only grow stronger and the drive will continue to reflect through the off season leading up to next year's season."

Recognizing her team's potential and summarizing the past season as "promising," Hayes has equally high expectations for next year.

"As we continue to grow during the off season as a team and individuals, I believe we can be extremely competitive within the ODAC next year," Hayes said. "My goals will include finishing at least .500 and making it to the conference tournament. It takes time and baby steps to build a program and we are right on track."

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