Pioneer Volleyball Splits Day 1 in their Season Debut at the Owen's Invitational

The Pioneers started off strong for the first day of the Owen's Invitational, competing against

SUNY Erie. The team banded together for their first official game of the season, taking the first

set 25-12. They kept their momentum, finishing the second set with 25-19, and finishing in only

three sets, taking the third 25-17.

The Pioneers returned later in the day battled it out against 3-time reigning National Champs Owens at the Owen's Invitational. The Pioneers lost the first set 25-15, fighting it out every rally. They finished the

second set with 25-8, and Owen's took the third 25-17, beating the Pioneers 3-0 sets.

Standout student athlete:

The game one standout student athlete of this game was Kayla Baase. The Freshman's current statistics for the season are 14 kills. Baase was the standout athlete because she consistently had powerful

kills. This contributed to the team by providing non-returnable hits that racked up points. Game two the standout student athlete of this game was Hanna Edmonds. The Sophomore's current

statistics for the season are 12 kills, 5 of which were from this game. Edmonds was the standout athlete because she consistently used smart plays to avoid the Owens' block and place the ball. This contributed to the team by

keeping the ball on the opponent's side, and gave our defense a breather.

Highlights from game:

During the matchup between Pioneers and Kats, playing in their first official match-up, the Delta Volleyball team proved that they deserve to be the inaugural team after eleven years without a program. They focused on their

fundamentals, and implemented everything that they've been working on. During the matchup between the Pioneers and the Express, the Delta Volleyball team proved that they had potential to make it all the way. They fought

point for point in long rallies, and challenged a team that has won repeated National Championships – all on their first official day on the court.

Game Statistics/Outcomes:

Pioneers vs Erie

Sets: 3-0

Player Spotlight: Kayla Baase

Pioneers vs Owens

Sets: 0-3

Player Spotlight: Hanna Edmonds

 Coaches comments:

Head Coach Mandy Palmateer said "I'm so proud of these girls and all the hard work that they've put in. This win helped build confidence that we can build on the rest of the season. We really proved that we belonged out there,

and that hard work pays off. We're looking forward to a strong season, with great girls. We're excited to be on the court representing the Pioneers!" Head Coach Mandy Palmateer comment on the game versus Owens, "This was a

great learning experience for our girls, to experience what level of play is required of a nationally ranked team. Despite the loss, we learned valuable lessons, and held our own against three-time national's winners. We hope to

meet up with them again after we've had some more time on the court."

Any adjustments for next games:

Some adjustments for the next game will be to work on our block. These adjustments are important because they prevent the back row defense. We will make these adjustments by getting more reps in during practice and

increasing jump training and conditioning. Some adjustments for game three will be to continue to work on our block. These adjustments are important because they protect the back row defense. We will make these adjustments

by getting more reps in during practice and increasing jump training and conditioning. We'll also continue building team chemistry throughout the process