CSB volleyball opens MIAC play with pair

Excitement is in the air as CSB volleyball launched off their 2023 season with two MIAC wins against Augsburg and St. Catherine.

Their performances have generated energy around campus that has the student body buzzing.

The team’s 2-0 MIAC record has left Olivia Thompson, CSB senior, eager for what the team has to show for the rest of the season.

“We are dialing in our focus on one game at a time to stay grounded this season,” Thompson said via email.

The team’s discipline in preparation for this season is what has brought the team their early success.

“By concentrating on the present moment and the upcoming match, we can bring our best to every game,” Thompson said.

This discipline is recognized by head coach Nicole Hess. She agrees that it is driving the team in the right direction.

“Our practices are intense, and they compete and are pushing each other to be better. When you have that kind of environment, it really lends itself to successful outcomes during our games,” Hess said.

Additionally, Hess commented on the team’s chemistry and how it sets them apart.

“Our team chemistry and culture are solid. We have 22 players on our roster, and when you have that many players, it’s important that you work on what the chemistry is going to be. I think our team chemistry is phenomenal.” Hess said. “They really have each other’s backs. They’re each other’s biggest competitors and also the biggest cheerleaders when it gets to game day.”

The leadership within the team and Hess’s appreciation for the senior’s efforts is heavily considered. CSB senior Paige Andries shares that while it is emotional being her last year playing CSB volleyball, the team has a job to do.

“For us seniors, we are striving to foster a culture that the team can carry on for future years. Also, I am very appreciative of the opportunity to represent St. Ben’s and that we get to showcase our value of community every night we step on the court,” Andries said via email. “It is a little bittersweet, knowing that it is my last season, but right now, our focus is getting better one day at a time.”

Hess and her players have ambitious expectations for the rest of the season. They have done much already but do not plan on stopping anytime soon. The team has beat the No. 7 team in the country. They are aiming to compete for a conference championship and get into the NCAA tournament. The games that take place in November will decide the fate of the CSB volleyball team and where they end up at the end of the season.

“The MIAC is grueling, and anybody can beat anyone at any given time. It’s just a competitive league. Every team counts for one win or one loss, so we’re just trying to settle into what’s in front of us and take things day by day. It’s in our control to be right there at the end of the season,” Hess said.

The team has rallied support from the student body and fans. Hess noted this and said that the whole team was appreciative.

The team draws energy from the crowds. The encouragement is meaningful to them and the community spirit keeps the Bennies motivated and empowered.

Looking ahead, the team has three straight MIAC home games, the first of which is against St. Mary’s University on Friday at 7 p.m. They are fired up and ready to build on what they have already accomplished.