By: Lincoln Reed | Sports Editor
Taylor Volleyball looks to begin its 2015 season with a strong showing this weekend at the Northwestern College Tournament in Orange City, Iowa.
The Trojans will face three nationally ranked teams and expect the tournament to provide tough competition before regular season play.
"We are excited to go," said head coach Holly Motheral. "It is a very tough, competitive tournament. Three out of the four teams we play are currently ranked in the top 25. It's good to see where we are compared to those teams. I think we have the potential to beat those teams."
The Trojans enter their 2015 season building off a 26-13 overall record and 13-5 finish in the Crossroads League. The team moves forward without graduated seniors Kelsey Arvin ('15) at libero and Jackie Close ('15) at outside hitter. Coach Motheral expects juniors Alex Reel and Kayla Springer and senior Maggie Williamson to emerge in the positions left by Arvin and Close.
A quick offensive scheme and strong defense will be crucial components of the Trojans' success this season.
"We want to have a pretty quick offense," said Motheral. "We aren't huge in the front row. Our conference really isn't, but as far as the top 25 teams in the NAIA, they are pretty big. So for us to fit in that group, we need to be really offensively quick and our back row defense is really solid."
A productive offseason and good leadership will prove to be important factors in the Trojans' success this season. Building strength served as a major focus of Taylor's offseason training.
"In the spring we worked a lot on getting stronger," said Williamson. "By gaining strength in the spring we've tried to elevate our play as a whole."
The 2015 Trojans feature 13 returning players as well as freshmen additions Addy Bailey and Haley Harrell.
Having a large number of returners has proved beneficial to team camaraderie and morale.
"As a team we have really good chemistry," said Williamson. "It propels us forward with energy so that way so we work really well together because we have such a genuine bond."
The Trojans' Northwestern Tournament opener begins at 2:30 p.m. today against No. 21 Grandview.Photograph by Josh Adams
