Volleyball: Setting up a strong start

By: Jordan Cope, Assistant Sports Editor

A year after falling short in the Colonial Athletic Association tournament, Towson jumped out to a strong start this season, beginning the year with an overall record of 4-1.

“We have a lot of talent, but because we’re such a young team we’re still learning to play together,” senior captain Haley Pa’akaula said. “I expect us to continue to improve as the season progress and gain experience playing with each other.”

Towson’s only loss this season came when they opened against the University of Tennessee on August 28.

After the loss, the Tigers defeated the Manhattan Jaspers, St. Francis, Delaware State and Coppin State in the 2015 Towson Invitational at SECU Arena over the weekend.

“One of the biggest roles we need to fill is our libero spot,” Pa’akaula said. “Anna Holehouse has stepped into that role and has so far been doing a great job. One of the major things is her ability to stay consistent despite being so young and redshirting last year.”

Looking ahead, the Tigers will compete in the North Dakota State Tournament, the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia West Penn Invitational and the Tennessee Tech Tournament before starting CAA play.

In their upcoming tournaments, the Tigers will face quality opponents in Fairfield, Penn and Western Carolina University.

“The main thing we have to gain is experience. It’s the first time this team will be playing against someone besides ourselves and it will be a true test to see what works and what doesn’t,” Pa’akaula said. “We’re playing some good quality teams this preseason and that experience will definitely help us when we get into conference play.

After its preseason tournaments, Towson will begin conference play on the road with matches against James Madison, Delaware, William and Mary, and Elon.  

“College of Charleston is always a solid team,” Pa’akaula said. “We lost to James Madison in the playoffs so we’re looking settle some scores with them this year as well.”

The Tigers will return home to SECU Arena on Friday, Oct. 9, to face the Hofstra Pride before taking on Northeastern that weekend Sunday, Oct. 11.

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