Women’s volleyball: An undefeated season

This past semester has been one of the most successful in the history of women’s volleyball at St Andrews University. Already before the two final games of the first Scottish BUCS division our women’s first team had secured the division title with an undefeated record, which they managed to carry through to the end of the semester. Having given up only six sets in ten games provides them with a comfortable margin to the runner-up University of Edinburgh. Already qualified for the UK-wide BUCS Championship the highlight of the season would be to advance to the final eight tournament in Leeds (March,15.-17.) through a victory in the first knock-out round in February.

What is more, the 2012/2013 season is the first one for the university team to enter the Scottish Cup to take on the challenge of tackling teams from the first National League. Going through the qualification round without losing a set makes the overall record to this point of the season even more impressive augmenting it to twelve victories in twelve games. With this number of games in only eight weeks, the season’s schedule was incredibly dense and demanded a very good time management with everyone’s academic schedule.

The key factors to the success are, as coach Patterson emphasizes, the outstanding defence tying in with an indispensable positive attitude on court both: “What a great season the girls are having, but the team have worked hard to be undefeated. One major difference I have seen this year has been their determination to see things through to a positive conclusion.”

A couple of the games have been really tough but the team has been mentally strong and demonstrated that they are not just technically skilled and physically able, but that they know how to focus to get a positive result. They grind teams down. Psychology always plays a big part in any sport, at any level, and this season the team have really shown their mental toughness. They also work very well as a ‘unit’ and fight for every point. They are extremely good defensively and are able to turn defence into attack in an instant, to the surprise of their opponents! One lovely comment I received from a spectator a couple of games ago was ‘That’s the best defence I have ever seen. Your girls are amazing.’ This, to me, sums them up and it is why they are top of the ‘leader board’ going into the latter stages of the season.”

In addition to the athletic aspect, it was in the beginning of this season that five members of the team initiated a new project called the Saint Volleyball Outreach Program envisioning to use volleyball as a tool to make a difference to children’s lives. In cooperation with the non-governmental organization they will embark on a trip to Zambia for 4-6 week in May and June and work on delivering development programs in schools and communities throughout Zambia which bring about motivation, self-reliance and self-development through social, cultural, political and economic empowerment. If you’re interested in reading more about their mission or are keen on supporting this great purpose please click here.