University of Tampa senior Melissa Vanderhall and sophomore Jessica Yingling are two of the standout players in the Sunshine State Conference, in which the Spartans play.
In fact, Vanderhall has been SSC player of the year each of the past two seasons.
But nothing these women do is about only themselves; they firmly believe in the idea of the team, and everything they do is for the betterment of the team.
“I do feel a little bit of pressure to succeed, especially because I’ve been struggling this year, but it’s a team game and the team has stepped up and picked me up personally” Vanderhall said. “It really doesn’t matter how well I do as long as the team is excelling and winning.”
The team has been excelling as of late, winning nine out of their last ten matches. The UT women were even ranked number one in the country for two weeks straight this season.
Then, on Sept. 25, they were upset by conference foe Rollins University.
“We felt like we weren’t playing our game. We had to keep up with them from the start of the game and play catch up,” said Vanderhall. “We know what we have to do [this season]. We have to take it one game at a time and play our game, no one else’s.”
Head Coach of the UT volleyball team, Chris Catanach, has faith that when the Spartans are on their game, they can take on any opponent.
“We have the ability to beat any team on any given day” said Coach Catanach. “That Rollins game was embarrassing; it was a poor performance. I can’t remember the last time I experienced something like that.”
Coach Catanach said he is still proud of how his team has played thus far, minus the one slip up against Rollins.
“We’ve met most of our goals to date. Now we’re getting into the nuts and bolts of conference play and we need to step up,” Coach Catanach said.
The Spartan volleyball team was able to rebound after the disappointing loss to Rollins with a shutout of nationally ranked conference opponent, Saint Leo University, on the road. They continued their winning ways with two victories over two more SSC foes Lynn and Florida Tech on Oct. 1 and Oct. 2, respectively. Both games were at home.
Against Lynn, Yingling led the Spartans in kills, notching 19 for an attack percentage of .409.
Senior Kaleigh Cunningham tallied nine kills for UT in the Florida Tech match, while Yingling finished a close second to Cunningham with eight kills of her own.
The Spartans now hold a number five national ranking on the 2010 season, and are currently at the top of the SSC with a 12-3 overall record.
UT will play Barry University Oct. 8, which promises to be another big conference battle.
“Barry is a big match; we would have a massive advantage if we can beat them down there because they have to come up here and play us later in the season” said Coach Catanach.
Vanderhall and Yingling stressed the importance of smarts in volleyball, and knowing the game. “You have to be able to see things and react. Don’t think, just go” Yingling said.
“Knowing when to hit and when not to, is crucial to success in volleyball. You’ve got to be able to see where the open court is and attack.”
As a sophomore, Yingling looks up to her elders on the team, such as Vanderhall.
“Since we’re losing some quality seniors after this year, I know I have to become more vocal. I’ll do whatever it takes to make the team better” said Yingling.
After being ranked number one in the country for two weeks straight, the girls know the sweet feeling of being on top, and they are hungry to return to that peak.
The SSC is a very competitive conference for volleyball, but the teams “don’t think, just go” attitude can propel them to the top of the conference.
After the Rollins upset, the team learned its lesson, and can’t overlook anyone else again.
The game against Barry will be an away game and could be for an early lead in the SSC.
John Hilsenroth can be reached at jhilsenroth@spartans.ut.edu.