By Allison Garrity

The Blazer volleyball team’s season was ended by the Bethel Royals last Thursday in three games.

The Blazers ended their season with a record of 8-3 in the MIAC and 21-11 in the season overall. They tied for second this year with Concordia in the MIAC.

“I think that Bethel came to play that day, and we came up short,” senior Theresa Naumann said. “We played well, but we weren’t as consistent as Bethel was.”

The Royals won in straight sets 30-19, 30-28, 30-23.

“We had 32 hitting errors, which is not normal,” head coach Michelle Blaeser said. “It was hard to lose on that note because we are a stronger team than that.”

Blaeser said the Royals did a great job blocking the Blazers in all three games.

No luck at the net

St. Ben’s wasn’t able to take advantage of the hits during the game, but Naumann and Blaeser said the loss won’t overshadow the successful season.

“I feel that we had a great season that was definitely not expected,” said Naumann of her last collegiate game.

“It has been a great journey,” Blaeser said. “This group was the most talented group that I have had in my eight years, and we will miss Theresa Naumann greatly.”

It wasn’t all bad news for the Blazers.

Sophomore Beth Hanson made history by breaking the school record for set-assists in one season. She recorded an all-time high in a single season of 1,286 set-assists.

A new hope

It was a tough loss for the volleyball team, but Blaeser already has high hopes for next year.
“Our goal is to win the conference and to better ourselves,” Blaeser said. “It can definitely happen.”

Throughout the MIAC, each team is losing a few seniors to graduation. St. Ben’s will only be losing senior Theresa Naumann.

“I’m always optimistic,” Blaeser said.

Blaeser has already started the recruiting process for next year.

“I am looking at strengthening our team next year, and I am excited for our future,” Blaeser said.

With the experience of competing in the NCAA tournament and a strong, talented group of athletes, the Blazer volleyball team looks to have another successful year.

“There are a lot of young, talented players out there (in the MIAC),” Blaeser said. “Our girls need to take advantage of the personal trainers on campus during the off-season so we can be competitive and come out strong next year.”

Jaynes honored
Sophomore outside hitter Emma Jaynes was named an American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American honorable mention. Jaynes finished the year with 400 kills and a 3.64 kills per game average.

Filed under: Blazers, Sports by Jordan Louwagie