It is the start of a new chapter in Georgetown Volleyball. We open up conference play tonight against Creighton before taking on Xavier and Butler this weekend. Our preseason has prepared us for the challenges of BIG EAST play.We enjoyed a trip to Fullerton, CA this past weekend and played some great competition. While we suffered some tough losses this weekend, it was a great learning experience for our players and staff. Against #22 UCLA (they are now #20), we learned that we can play with anyone when we are all on the same page. Losing 26-24 in the second set, we learned that we need to capitalize on every opportunity that comes our way. In the five set loss to CSU Fullerton, we learned how to battle back and forth but we must stay consistent as a group to prevail. Against Yale, we learned how good it feels to win in such a large margin (25-11 in set 1), but we must be able to step up our play when someone pushes back. In the record books, this weekend goes down as a loss, but in the grand scheme of what we are trying to do as a team and a program in BIG EAST play, we had some success. Of course, I would have liked a “W.” We’re working on making those happen.

More than the play, the weekend was a great welcome home opportunity for several of our players. We landed at LAX on Thursday afternoon to be met in baggage claim by Marie Riggins, mom of redshirt senior, Liz, and Marlo Williams, mom of sophomore Ashlie Williams. They met us bearing food – the most delicious sandwiches from Mendocino Farms – and goody bags with snacks to hold us over for the weekend.

The cheering section was awesome with at least six families and extended families in the stands. It was also great to see Georgetown alumni in the stands and be able to chat with them after the match. Amy Callow Orr F’90 shared some words of encouragement with our players after our match against CSU Fullerton. Ashley Lancaster C’06 caught up to me after the Fullerton match as well. I so enjoy catching up with our alumni. It reminds me that what I am doing is so much bigger than the right now. We’ll keep working to make you proud!

We learned and and now it’s time to close the preseason chapter of our season. We’ll put everything we learned into play and get started on Chapter 2: BIG EAST Conference competition. I look forward to giving you a good read!