Published: Sept. 14, 2012 The 18th-ranked Taylor volleyball team beat the Bethel Pilots 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-9) on Sept. 12 to increase their winning streak to seven matches, including four in Crossroads League play. Senior Ali Swart led the Trojans with 12 kills, while Junior Ashlyn DeHoogh added seven kills. Freshman Olivia Griffith had three service aces along with 29 assists. TU was on fire serving as they finished with eight aces. Defensively, Taylor was led by senior libero Courtney Herschberger, who finished with 18 digs. "Tonight everyone was focused nearly the entire game. No one took any mental breaks," Herschberger said. "One of the main things we wanted to focus on this game was working to serve one another through our play. We were able come away with this victory because we focused on serving our teammates and making the ball better for someone else on the team and simply pursuing the ball." Head Coach Brittany Smith agreed , saying her team was consistently aggressive throughout the match. "We have definitely been talking about that and highly encouraging them to maintain that drive, and they're definitely responding," Smith said. With the victory the Trojans improve to 9-2 on the season and 4-0 in the Crossroads League. Compared to past teams she has coached, Smith said this year's team has a greater balance in their offense with minor changes in how they run defense. Smith added the team is much faster in transitioning, which has given them an advantage over opponents who might be stronger. "If the players keep trusting in our purpose, and what we're trying to do and the preparation, we know whether it's this Saturday or at the end of the season we're going to be successful," Smith said. The Trojans travel to Marian Sept.14 before heading to Indiana Wesleyan Sept. 15 for a clash with the 11th ranked Wildcats.
