“It seemed to me that we were always so close but we couldn’t carry through to a victory over Williams when it counted,” lamented Berkley. “I know we will play this season with a vengeance.”
The team enters this season without the familiar faces of the class of 2009, but will look to others to fill the graduates’ roles.
“We lost a four year starting setter in Sara Heller ’09, as well as middle hitter Hanna Wirth ’09, right side hitter Claire Holton-Basaldua ’09 and utility player Alison Munzer ’09 to graduation,” commented Everden. “Any time you lose your starting setter, you look for change in that you have essentially lost your quarterback and that comfort. I look for the first year Callie Neilson and junior Kate Jordan to assume that role this coming season.”
Despite the loss of so many seniors, Yorke is still optimistic about the team’s chances, and even discussed the benefits of the loss to Williams.
“Although we fell to our opponent, Williams, the experience definitely strengthened our team,” said Yorke. “With that being said, I expect a lot from the team this year since for many of us this will be our third season playing together. I hope that we can take our experiences, incorporate the freshmen and start the season with a winning attitude.”
Of course, Williams is one of the Firedogs’ toughest competitors this season, but also mentioned were Tufts University and Wesleyan University, both of whom defeated the Firedogs last year during the regular season. It looks like the Little Three rivalry will continue as strong as ever next year. Though the team recognizes its biggest opponents, they also know that they should not underestimate any of the NESCAC’s other teams.
“As we learned last year, everyone in the NESCAC is a contender and should not be taken lightly,” said Berkley. Yorke added, “I believe all teams will be ready to go battle the Firedogs! Every game will count, and we have to enter each match ready to compete.”
With their goals firmly in mind, the Firedogs look ready to enter another riveting NESCAC season. However, Coach Everden also has less athletic goals in mind. Staying true to Amherst’s student-athlete principles, she also plans to encourage academic excellence and athletic fun and fulfillment.
“I want each player to feel like they are truly in the process of reaching their potential as a student-athlete, meaning that they are challenged and achieving in the classroom, on the court and in their daily lives,” Everden said. “I want each player to feel that they are making a significant contribution to the concept of team in their own special unique way, and I want each player to strive to make themselves bettear players anda better people each and every day. I want the volleyball environment to be the most fun thing they have ever experienced in their sporting life. Believe and achieve. No guts, no glory. Go for the load! Those three phrases sum it up in a nutshell for me.”
The Firedogs kick off their season September 11 with an away match against Wellesley College.