Vandal volleyball continued its spring season over the weekend, playing a total of five matches and winning seven of 10 sets.
Idaho traveled to Gonzaga on Saturday where the Vandals played five two-set matches, beating Central Washington, Eastern Washington and Montana. The Vandals also split with Seattle U but lost to Gonzaga.
Idaho coach Debbie Buchanan said she was pleased with the progress.
“The middles had a good day with connection and out blocking was outstanding,” Buchanan said. “It came down to ball control at times and having the outsides take some good swings.”
With the loss of the six seniors from last year’s team, it’s opened up the roster for players to step up, including at the all-too-important setter position. Sophomore Meredith Coba has stepped into that role and Buchanan is happy with what she’s seeing.
“The biggest progress we’ve had so far is with the setter,” Buchanan said. “Coba has really turned a corner and has really done some great things. She’s seeing well and is really developing the offense.”
Another player Buchanan has been pleased with this spring is Jessica Hastriter. She played in 15 matches for Idaho last year and Buchanan said she’s showing that she’s ready to step up.
“Jessica didn’t play a lot last year, but has really developed her offense and is doing good things,” Buchanan said. “She still has a lot of upside on the things she’s learning and is continuing to get better.”
Overall Buchanan said the group she’s had this spring has made a lot of progress, despite being young and few in numbers.
“The kids are really learning,” Buchanan said. “Offensively it was a lot better than we were when we started. I think it’s a good phase for the kids that are here and when we get the kids we have coming in we’re going to have a lot of good arms and be really strong in the middle I think.”
The Vandals will conclude their spring season on Saturday when they travel to Portland for one last spring tournament. Buchanan said she just wants to see her team keep working and preparing for next fall.
“We just want to continue to work and continue to improve,” Buchanan said. “It’s a lot of little things. We are we getting better and being more aware of what’s going on in the game.”
Kevin Bingaman can be reached at [email protected]