Coming off of a dissatisfying but promising 2011 season, the VSU Women’s volleyball team is suiting up to host their first game of the season on August 31st. 

    VSU is hosting the Fairfield Inn and Suites Azalea Classic that will be held in the PE complex with the first one beginning at 9a.m. and the last one beginning at 7 p.m.

   The team has put in long hours of work to make this season a successful one.

  This season is set to be a good one for this team with great chemistry stacked with veteran players and two incoming freshmen with the talent to start.

  The Blazers have been working on camaraderie to give them an edge over other teams.

 “Communication, believing in each other, talking on the court, and trusting each other are important,” Head Coach Sia Poyer said. “First communicating and second working together.”

  Two of the teams’ veteran players, Katie Onushko, a senior outside hitter and captain of the team, and Ashley Lala, a sophomore setter for the team, received the honor of being named to the Gulf South Conference’s Preseason All-GSC Team.

  Onushko and Lala both agree that it’s an honor to be a part of the team and that they are excited about the opportunity.

  The goal for the team has been set high by both the coaches and the players.

  “The team goal is always the same: Win GSC tournament, NCCAP tournament, and become national champions.” Poyer said.

  “My goal is to win the GSC conference,” said senior middle blocker Tania Tauiliili. “After that, make it to nationals.”

  Lala and Onushko will lead the team confidently that they have what it takes to make this season an exceptional one.

 “I’m excited about the team in general.” Onushko said. “We can go really far.”

  In a season with several of different tournaments, volleyball is unlike most sports Coach Poyer points out.

 “We play four different teams in two days.” Poyer said.

  Emphasizing that VSU has to focus on each game and then turn and around and go right back out to face a completely different team.

  The Blazers firmly believe that the team possesses the skills and has the work ethic to run all the way to the conference championship and leave victorious.

  “If we work together, look forward to our goals and work hard, this will be a great season,” Lala said.