Sports
Youthful RedStorm Seek To Stay On Track Despite Losses
By: Cody Linn
Posted on:
The Rio Grande volleyball team is preparing for another season. The RedStorm finished their 2012 campaign 22-10, with a Mid-South Conference record of 11-3 to place third in the conference. This could be a down year for the RedStorm, as they return only six players from the 16-player roster from 2012 and add only six recruits.
Head coach Billina Donaldson, entering her fifth season as head coach, had her best conference record of her tenure during the 2012 season. With a young roster, she could have a challenge to match last year’s record.
The RedStorm were voted to finish fifth in the Mid-South Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll.
Lack of Experience
Entering the 2013 season, the RedStorm have one senior on the roster with only a total of six returning players. Of those six, only four players saw extensive playing time. It will be interesting to see how Donaldson utilizes her inexperienced players during the season. Donaldson said that Nicole Ogg is their leader and also said that they are looking for Betsy Schramm to step up with some leadership.
Full of Youth
Although inexperience could be bad, it could also turn out to be great for Rio. With six freshmen on the roster, it could lead to someone breaking out. Young players are constantly working to prove that they deserve more playing time to help win games.
“We spent a lot of time recruiting higher level players,” coach Donaldson.
Donaldson’s young squad takes the court for the first time Saturday, Aug. 24, at 10 a.m. against the University of Northwestern Ohio.