The women’s volleyball team began its summer in the midst
of the World Cup excitement in Europe. But while the soccer greats
were kicking away in Germany, the Bruins were kicking back in
Slovenia and Italy, embarking on their own international athletic
journey filled with volleyball as well as some leisure time.
The team’s European trip began on June 17, when it
departed for Slovenia ““ where, two days later, the Bruins
defeated the Slovenian National team 3-2.
By the time the team reached Italy, World Cup fever was in the
air and even the Bruins were well aware of it. Excitement buzzed
around the country and even affected the Bruins’ opponents,
which made for somewhat of a lax playing experience.
“It was a pretty laid-back atmosphere,” senior Katie
Carter said. “We didn’t know when the other team would
show up, especially with the World Cup going on. Other teams
(would) just stroll in and hit a few balls and we’d
play.”
Competition was still stiff, however. The Bruins won four
matches during their stay in Europe, but dropped two to the Italian
Junior National team and Italian professional team, Asystel.
Sophomore Nellie Spicer was not able to participate in the full
six-match competition because of a nose injury, and Jade Machado
and Tammy Jackson filled in for the injured starting setter,
according to Carter in an online diary entry. Other members of the
team also felt the physical toll of the competition in the Italian
summer heat.
“In the gym it was 100 degrees in there and we would sweat
so much,” Carter said. “It was pretty hard to be on our
feet all day.”
But the 10-day trip wasn’t all work and no play. The team
took advantage of what Italy had to offer, including visits to the
Colosseum and to the canals and crevices of the Venice waterways,
said sophomore Laura Kroneberger and junior Megan Schoen in online
diary entries.
Tourism and volleyball aside, the Bruins maximized their time in
Europe, improving tactically and growing closer as a team.
“We just took advantage of being together and ended strong
on a high note for the fall,” Carter said.