After getting off to a 3-0 start, the volleyball team hopes to continue its winning ways as it travels to Albany, N.Y. this weekend for the University of Albany tournament. The Huskies will be in action first against Wright State at 5 p.m. Saturday evening. Then play a double header on Saturday that includes games against Albany and Buffalo.
After dropping its first set against Cleveland State to open play at the Northern Illinois Tournament, the Huskies rebounded nicely by winning the next nine sets en route to sweeping the competition.
The resiliency shown by the Huskies is definitely something a coach looks for early in the season. The team will have to continue to battle back that way all season and the challenges will only get tougher as the season progresses.
"A few things in particular we have discussed as a team are that we need to out work our opponents and we need to be in system so we our able to run our fast offense," said head coach Holly Strauss.
Early on against Cleveland State, the Huskies had no offensive rhythm; however ,they eventually hit their stride and never looked back.
Strauss got strong performances from Chauntay Mickens and Jessica Isaac, two upperclassmen she counts on heavily, but it was freshman Annie Luhrsen that stole the show for the Huskies at Northern Illinois.
Luhrsen had 49 assists against Cleveland State and 42 assists against Northern Illinois. Her performance stood out enough to earn her Big East Freshman of the Week honors.
Luhrsen currently leads the Big East in assists per set with 12.6 and is second in total assists with 126. While the fast start may be surprising to many, head coach Holly Strauss believes in Luhrsen as if she is a proven veteran.
"Although Annie is a freshman, she is a natural leader," Strauss said. "Being the 'quarterback' for our team it is important she helps Jessica [Isaac] set the tone."
Coming into the year, Strauss said that the biggest question mark facing her team was to find someone who could step up and be a "clutch" player. It looks like she may have already found that player in Luhrsen.
If Luhrsen and the Huskies hope to remain undefeated through the weekend, they are going to have to be at the top of their game for all three matches.
The easiest test on paper for the volleyball team should be the opening match against Wright State, which comes into the tournament at 0-3. The Huskies will have a distinct size advantage in that match-up.
The Huskies will take on the University of Albany in their second match, which should draw the biggest crowd of the tournament. The Danes also come in at 0-3, but they have the personnel to compete with the Huskies and would like nothing more than to get a win over a big-time program on their home court.
The University of Buffalo will be the Huskies' final match of the weekend and should provide the stiffest test. The Bulls travel to Albany boasting a 2-1 record which includes a win over Air Force.
Sophomore Lindsey Schlegel leads Buffalo in assists and will have to out duel Luhrsen if the Bulls hope to knock off the Huskies. This match could come down to which setter can get their offense flowing most effectively.
Once they return from Albany, the Huskies will have a week to gear up for a trip to Michigan State for their invitational tournament.
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