Southeast Missouri State University student publication

Volleyball team staying positive

Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Emily Coon and Paige Dossey attempt to block an SIUE attack. -- Photo by Kelso Hope

The Southeast Missouri State University women's volleyball team lost five consecutive games to start the season before picking up two wins in the Indiana University Tournament. But coach Julie Folliard has confidence that with her team's effort, its season will be a success.

She praised her players for their work ethic and continuing perseverance.

"The girls will never let the ball drop without one of them falling to the floor for it," Folliard said.

With a record of 3-10, the team is off to a rough start, but it is 1-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference. The Redhawks won their conference opener on Friday against Eastern Illinois in straight games but then lost in straight games to SIU Edwardsville on Saturday.

"I think that by us playing close with so many good teams definitely shows our potential," Folliard said. "We're struggling as far as our record goes, but we've definitely lost some close matches by two or three points and those would give us the win."

Folliard is not the only one that thinks the team can improve on how it started the season.

"We've played some big teams so far in preseason, and we've played well against them," sophomore middle blocker Emily Coon said. "It makes me excited for the season and what's to come."

Senior middle blocker Holly Reynolds attempts a spike during Saturday's OVC game at SIU Edwardsville. -- Photo by Kelso Hope

Coon also said that the team has been changing minor details during practices and that it is taking practices and games "a little more serious."

Senior outside hitter Paige Dossey feels that the team knows what to expect now after having gone 0-4 in the Memphis Invitational. The team was swept in three games against Georgia State and Arkansas-Little Rock. It won one game in a match against Memphis and Alabama A&M.

"I think the first tournament was a little rough for us because we had expectations a little bit higher, but I think we've done really well at staying positive and staying motivated to work and get better," Dossey said.

Coon knows that the girls need to continue to believe in themselves and enjoy the game.

"When we have fun we're unstoppable," Coon said.

Dossey and Coon both acknowledged Folliard's positive attitude and involvement with the players.

"She's very involved with all of us as a whole," Coon said. "She gets into practices and games with us completely."

"Coach is very competitive just like the rest of us, but she is the most positive coach I've ever had," Dossey said. "She somehow finds a way to see the positives in things."

The team is averaging 15.6 digs per set, which is the fifth best in the OVC. They also have 67 total blocks. During practices, it has worked on maintaining these skills and improving its attack when on offense. Southeast has been averaging 2.5 less kills per game than its opponents.

Folliard explained that the team needs to become better at finishing games. During matches with Evansville and Illinois-Chicago the team lost in five games. In the match against the Illinois-Chicago the team had two chances to win the third game, but dropped the game by losing three points in row.

Southeast has not started out every match strong. In losses against Arkansas State, University of Illinois-Chicago, Arizona and Georgia State the team got behind early and was unable to catch back up.

"Fortunately, we're good at working our way back up, but we need to become a team that starts strong from point one," Dossey said.

*Visit

southeastArrow.com for a photo gallery of the

Southeast volleyball team in action against SIU Edwardsville.

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