Volleyball ends first ASUN season

 A 15-17 record does not normally indicate success. But for a team competing in a new conference with a first-year coach, recognizing a certain level of success seems appropriate.

The Liberty University women’s volleyball team did not end its 2018 season with a winning record, but there were several highlights that Head Coach Trevor Johnson and the Lady Flames can look back on positively as it continues to construct a first-class program.

“I don’t think our record truly reflects what kind of season we had,” Johnson said. “I was proud of our girls for showing up every day and working hard. I had a great staff that helped out so much, so it was a fun year, regardless of what the record was.”

Liberty’s season began with a match against Indiana State University Aug. 24 and ended with a loss to eventual conference champion Florida Gulf Coast University in the ASUN Volleyball Championship semifinals Nov. 16. 

In between, they accumulated a 7-3 home record, including a rousing 3-0 sweep of the University of Virginia at the Vines Center Sept. 11, and saw tremendous progress while rallying from a slow start to win 12 of their last 20 matches.

“They trusted us (and) they trusted the process,” Johnson said. “It’s very easy to just be 3-10 and throw in the towel. They just kept showing up. They kept doing the work and it finally paid off.”

A strong finish allowed Liberty to secure a spot as the No. 4 seed in the ASUN tournament, where they swept No. 5 Stetson University before getting finished off by No. 1 FGCU in a close match, 26-24, 25-20, 25-18.

The night before their postseason win over Stetson, a handful of Lady Flames were recognized at the ASUN Volleyball awards banquet. After playing for 27 years in the Big South Conference, the honors reaffirm Liberty’s aim to make an immediate impact in their new conference.

“I feel like we were kind of like the underdogs coming into this conference,” junior right-side hitter Casey Goodwin said. “It was just awesome to see everyone excel in this conference and still get awards and play to the best of their ability.”

Goodwin, the only player in the ASUN to rank in the top 10 for kills per set, aces per set and blocks per set, made the all-conference first team. Junior middle blockers Anna Gragg and Kainah Williams were both named to the all-conference second team, while outside hitter Lily Kruse was put on the all-freshman squad. Junior setter Hannah Morris got selected to the all-academic team.

 “It’s a testament to them and all their hard work,” Johnson said. 

All five of the award recipients have the eligibility remaining to participate in the team’s offseason program and play for the Lady Flames again next season. 

“I’m excited about the girls that we have returning,” Johnson said. “Compared to the top other teams in the conference, I think they lose a lot.” 

Johnson also said he was looking forward to welcoming in a talented freshmen class that includes four recently announced recruits: Rajini Fitzmaurice, Caitie Mueller, Krissy O’Malley and Abby Phillips. 

The recruits will be joining a squad that in 2018 focused on maintaining a family-like atmosphere where it was emphasized that everyone is needed and appreciated. 

“We’re a very encouraging team,” Goodwin said. “And as you can see from our bench, watching the games and stuff, we get riled up and it’s just support all the way around. Having that out on the court is just incredible.” 

Liberty looks to increase its team chemistry with a trip this offseason. 

After individual training and some team events from January to March, Johnson anticipates the Lady Flames will play in four spring tournaments around the end of March to early May. 

Then, it is 10 days of practice before the team goes off to China and plays some exhibition matches against profession al teams. 

But the special trip’s primary focus is not on the volleyball experience. 

“Normally, you can go to the Dominican (Republic) or Puerto Rico or like a beautiful hotspot area, but just for the chance for them to go to China — number one, they’ll probably never go again,” Johnson said. “Again, just the chance for them to have an appreciation for what Liberty’s all about, what’s been given to them and also to be able to share Christ in a country that doesn’t know the Lord.” 

While winning is still a goal for Johnson and the Lady Flames — who have adopted the phrase “Why not LU?” as they look to become a perennial volleyball powerhouse — they are more concerned with improving individually and as a team. Despite the lack of an impressive overall record, Johnson believes the team did that in 2018. 

It was a successful season in Goodwin’s mind as well, as she said the adjustment to a new coaching staff alone was a significant accomplishment. There was also the ASUN awards, the exhilarating wins and a whole lot of fun. 

“It was just awesome to see people enjoying themselves at practice and having fun with the game we all love,” Goodwin said. “I feel like we lost it a little bit. We lost sight of why we really played, and I feel that came back this year.”