The first game of the season is one of the most memorable for many athletes who participate in any level of competitive athletics. Wednesday night was no different for the Women’s Volleyball team here at Guilford. In five sets the Quakers were able to defeat Meredith College(25-21, 23-25, 19-25, 26-24, 15-11), losing only two sets.

The gym overflowed with excitement and passion from both the players and fans. Anyone who witnessed the game could feel this sense of spirit building throughout the gym. Head Coach Emily Gann was not only impressed from her team’s performance, but also enthused by the fan attendance.

“This was the most intense and scrappy game our team has played in a long time, and what separates us from Guilford teams in the past is our drive and want to be successful,” Gann said. “Having this large of a fan base for our first game encouraged our team to not give up.”

Junior libero Mary Moody credits this attitude to a mix of returning and new players.

“This team is very different from last year because we have just as many new players as returners,” Moody said. “Practices are better and more competitive which helps us for games.”

“Because it was our first game on our home court everyone had their adrenaline pumping,” junior middle-hitter Emma Gunn said. “We were excited to see what we could do.”

With the game on the line in the fourth set the Quakers delivered a crushing blow to Meredith by defeating them 26-24.

“After we were down 22-17, I looked at the girls and told them check your score, you have to fight for it or this is it,” Gann said. “My team took this to heart and responded.”

“I believe the fourth set in the match was the most crucial,” sophomore outside-hitter Brittany Freeman said. “It carried the intensity for the fifth set and it means a lot to be able to come back when the team was down two to one.”

With the game tied the Quakers battled through the fifth set with a 17-15 victory.

“The first win is always the hardest, and I am very proud of this team for coming from behind and showing their desire to win,” Gann said. “This will be the best season we’ve had in a long time, and no matter what always expect a lot of action and excitement.”

“It’s early in the season, so it’s hard to say but I think we’re playing really well as a team,” Gunn said.

On Sept. 4-5 the volleyball team competed in the Averett Cougar Classic and went 3-1 by defeating Roanoke, Averett and Emory and Henry. This brings the team’s record to 4-1, the best start to a season since 1996.

When asked about the team’s expectations for the rest of the year, Freeman only had two words to say.

“Conference Champions.