Flames dominate over Charlotte Queens
The Lady Flames volleyball team opened up its ASUN conference schedule against the Charlotte Queens Sept. 23, dominating the court and winning in three straight sets.
The two teams were back and forth during the first set of the night until the Flames pulled away in their last two sets, ending with a triumphant sweep of the Queens and recording a final set finish of 25 to 18.
While non-conference play proved to be a challenge for the Lady Flames, Head Coach Trevor Johnson remained focused on the road ahead.
“I had to remind the girls at this point that every team is 0-0,” Johnson explained. “So, it doesn’t matter what we did in the preseason. What matters is what we do now. I think learning how to take it one day at a time and not dwelling on the mistakes, but focusing on the present and how to improve.”
Sophomore outside hitter Kate Phillips shined in all three sets, leading the team in 18 kills. Her offensive intensity and aggression are what helped her team claim victory in its first conference match of the season.
“We want to be smart and practical, making the open shots because at the end of the day, that’s where the aggression comes in,” Phillips said. “That’s how you beat teams. I think our focus was, ‘Can we just put balls away and come out swinging?’ It wasn’t perfect, but we were scoring points and, as a team, we did what we were supposed to do, and that showed.”
The leadership of the Lady Flames was clearly seen throughout all three sets, especially from co-captain and junior setter Delaney Dilfer. Communicating effectively with her teammates and learning how to motivate and encourage them properly are things she continues to strive for. Her strong voice could be heard on the court all night as she was one of the biggest factors contributing to their victory.
“Julia Mangum and I are the captains of this team, so I think the team has given us that role of having the voice on the court,” Dilfer said. “We’ve been working on keeping strong accountability but still have it be encouraging and uplifting. Our Assistant Coach Shelby said something really good where it’s not that we’re calling people out, we’re calling people up. So, that’s the tone that we try to use on the court each night.”
Dilfer ended the night recording 46 of the 55 total assists across the three straight sets. The chemistry between her and the rest of the team was electrifying as she also set up middle blocker Lydia Burts, who recorded a total of 12 kills on the night.
The season is just beginning for the Lady Flames. While their eyes are fixed on an ASUN Conference Championship, Johnson still wants them to remain focused on preparing for each game as it comes.
“It’s just taking it one match at a time,” Johnson said. “I know it sounds cliché, but that’s really what it comes down to. Focus on getting better each day, and win or lose, you still have to show up and perform the next day and get better.”
The Lady Flames return to action at Liberty Arena Sept. 30 as they battle the Kennesaw State Owls at 6 p.m.
Treadway is a sports reporter for the Liberty Champion