The Ithacan

The volleyball team’s slow start to its season cost it a chance to defend its Empire 8 Conference Championship and earn a bid to the NCAA tournament.

Standing at a towering 6-foot-1, senior middle blocker and outside hitter Kate Thoene stands at the front of the net, her knees bent and eyes directly on the ball as it bobs up and down on the other side of net.

After two disappointing tournaments to open the season, the volleyball team is looking to cut down on mental mistakes and turn its season around.

Behind every successful kill is a perfectly placed set that makes it all possible, and the volleyball team realizes that now more than ever.

Junior outside hitter Chelsea Hayes has been a force on the court for the Bombers all season. After the Blue and Gold won the Empire 8 Conference Championship last weekend — the first time since 2005 — Hayes was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

The volleyball team’s first win, shutout and its first tournament victory this season all came at home in the Ben Light Gymnasium, and on Oct. 23 the Bombers, playing at home, added another first to that list.

For the volleyball team, constant talking at practice and in competition is anything but a distraction.

Junior Karin Edsall is blocking more than just opposing teams’ shots this season. After being named the Most Valuable Player at the Bomber Invitational on Sept. 10 and 11, Edsall deflected praise and recognition and said everyone on the team played well enough to deserve the honor.

The volleyball team has three reasons why its sights are set on outperforming last season’s Eastern College Athletic Conference finish.