By Joe Shulberg, Sports Writer
The women’s volleyball team is in mid-season, having played 17 games thus far, developing an overall record of 15-8-0 and their Sooner Athletic Conference record of 6-3. They are in third place in the SAC.
The conference tournament begins in November, and the team has set the goal of going undefeated at home for the rest of the season.
Standout performances have continued throughout the season with Sophomore Setter Hannah Mitcham and Senior Setter/Libero Danielle Robison. The win versus Southwestern Assemblies of God saw Mitcham accomplish a “career high” 52 assists, and Robison strikingly matching her career high in digs with 32. It was the second time she made the 30-dig club.
Robison is the 11th volleyball player in OCU history to reach the 30 mark in a game. She said the season has been a “roller coaster ride.”
“We started out strong and then had a few rough patches,” she said. “Something that has been consistent is our hearts. This team has such a close bond and is so determined to succeed, and that nothing in our past will stop us.”
Mitcham, from Fort Worth, Texas, said her teammates and experience played major roles in helping her game this season.
“Coming into this year was a lot different as a sophomore because I had that year of experience I didn’t have last year,” she said.
Mitcham also said it helped that all of the players returned from last season and Freshman Kristen Macy was a great addition.
“We could get down to business immediately, since we already had the feel of playing together and knowing each other’s tendencies,” Mitcham said.
Mitcham said her goal for the season is to “make a name for OCU volleyball.”
“That includes finishing the year with a winning record, but I really want to take this team all the way to nationals,” she said.
Robison said Coach Nikki Dieball is key to the team’s success.
“Her heart is as big as a heart can be and she is a wonderful role model to us young women,” she said. I’ve never had a coach that put so much work into us on and off the court.
“Her dedication to us has helped us be successful on the court, in the classroom, and out in the world.”
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