Bennie volleyball rolls to an undefeated start

After two tournaments, the CSB volleyball team is off to a 7-0 start to the season. They hosted a home tournament two weeks ago and traveled to Boston the following weekend for their second tournament. This weekend the Bennies are headed to Iowa for their next set of games. At the end of last season, the Bennies advanced to nationals by winning the MIAC Championship game. Junior Kali Jones said heading into this season the team knows they will have a target on their back because of how last season ended.

“We also know that this is a completely new season and just because we won the MIAC tournament last year doesn’t mean
that we don’t need to work hard to try and get that title again for this season. We have talked a lot about staying humble and being disciplined in everything we do,” Jones said.

With an undefeated record, the team has found lots of success so far this season. Jones attributes this to their team chemistry.

“We have honestly all just meshed together so perfectly and are all in it for each other. Also, a special shoutout to the first-years for their ability to jump right in and become such a great fit,” Jones said.

Jones is most excited for their conference games this season, which will begin with Gustavus on Sept. 26.

“We know the stakes are higher and we have a title to live up to. Every game is going to be so competitive and so much fun. I can’t wait to see what we do as a team,” Jones said.

Senior Chaeli Haupert said the team uses tournaments early on to help prepare them for conference play later in the season.

“It helps us figure out what’s working well and what we need to improve on. Right now, it’s less about wins and losses and more about making sure we’re prepared and ready to compete once conference play begins,” Haupert said.

After winning the MIAC Championship last season, Haupert said the team’s goal for this season is to be the regular season conference champion. This will help them heading into the postseason and also give them a chance at having a home playoff game.

“Last year we were playoff champions, but we want to take it a step further by maintaining a high level of play throughout the entire conference schedule,” Haupert said.

As a senior, Haupert is most looking forward to home games this season.

“It’s so much fun playing in front of our friends, family and fans in our home gym. Since it’s my senior season, I want to make the most of those moments and enjoy the little things with my teammates for one last season.” Haupert said.

Senior Mackenzie Knofczynski said the team has been preparing for the season by spending lots of time together.

“Team chemistry and ‘we’ vs ‘me’ is huge for us, and this is why we make spending time as a team such a priority both on and off the court. Prioritizing this has really strengthened our team chemistry, which has been reflected in our games,” Knofczynski said.

Another one of the team’s keys to success this season is practice.

“While every girl on the team is very talented, it’s been how hard everyone works that really has led us to our success. Each day the girls show up ready to give their all, creating a very competitive environment that pushes everyone to be their best,” Knofczynski said.

With this being her senior season, Knofczynski is excited to see the team’s progress throughout the season and what they are able to accomplish.

“This is a special group, and I know we’ve got the potential to do big things,” Knofczynski said.

With practice starting in midAugust, head coach Nicole Hess said the team has been working hard every single day to get better. Their two scrimmages also provided experience for the team heading into the season.

“I’m proud of how we’ve embraced challenges and pushed ourselves to get better and grow as a team each and every day,” Hess said.

The team has many goals for the seasons, but Hess said they classify them into process goals and outcome goals.

“Ultimately, we are trying to get a little better every day we step on the court with the goal of playing our best volleyball at the end of the season,” Hess said.

With twelve returners, Hess said their experience has been a big contribution to the team’s success along with how quick the first-years have adjusted to the speed of their game.

“I love watching our team compete, work through challenges, and find success together,” Hess said. The team’s next home game is on September 17th against nationally ranked UW-Eau Claire.