Men's Volleyball eyes conference foes

Feb. 10, 2005
By Katie Kerr
Staff Writer

The men’s volleyball team has one goal for the season, win conference.

With the conference dropping down to four teams and the opportunity for the conference champions to still go to the national tourney, the players and coaching staff feel their goal is attainable.  Although the conference is smaller, it is in by no means weaker.

The Fighting Bees team finished the pre-season schedule with a record of 11-4 playing exceptionally well in two tournaments.  After discovering their strengths and weaknesses, the team has been working hard to improve on their play.

First year Coach Matt Jennings brings a new dynamic to the team this year.

“I’ve changed their mindsets from an offensive team to a defensive team, and we’re already seeing the advantage of that,” Jennings said.

Along with the new energetic coach, three new freshmen have been added to the roster.

“The new freshmen have had a huge impact on the team," Jennings said.  "With two starting I know I’m asking a lot from them but they are all handling it well.”

It hasn’t been all that easy so far for the St. Ambrose Fighting Bees this year.  They are still overcoming some of the physical and mental obstacles their pre-conference schedule has brought them, including travel.

The Bees had to hit the road for their first seven games.  With most of the games being 4-5 hours away the team has done most of their traveling for the season, and is looking forward to return home and play on the hardwood of Lee Lohlman Arena.

Another obstacle the team has been plagued with is an injury list that seems to get longer as the games go by.  With at least two starters out for now, and with a few players not exactly at 100 percent, the Bees will have to fight to attain their goal.

Junior captain and starting setter Kevin Lenart feels that the teams main goal of winning conference is more than attainable, willing that everyone believes they can do it.

“We’ve learned to connect as a team and work together to keep our focus,” Lenart said.

“With Matt’s energy and our hard work in practice our conference championship is now reachable.”

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