The volleyball team continued its fight for a spot in the conference championship with a 3-2 win over Oberlin College on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

“[Wednesday] night’s game was important. We were playing against a conference team and needed the win to help ensure our bid to the NCAC tournament. After winning the first set and losing the second two it was our fighting nature that kept us in the game. Our energy, attitude, and determination fueled our last two sets and the night’s success,” said Morgan Bush, ’18.

Bush led the Gators with 12 kills against Oberlin.

“As a team and individually we can use this type of play to further our accomplishments this season. We are a good team and are capable of playing through a hard match, last nights game is a testament to that. If we come together and continue to play our game the way we are able too we could end very well this season,” Bush said.

Terra Schall, ’18, said the team never gave up, leading to their success.

“We are a bunch of fighters, and I think that showed since we went to five sets and came out victorious,” Schall said. “As a team, we made it a point to forget any errors and move onto the next point, which we did especially well in the last two sets.”

Schall got 25 digs for the Gators against Oberlin. With 20 more digs, Schall will move into the number 10 position in Gator history for single season digs.

“The other team kept our defense on our toes, which was frustrating and challenging. They were tall hitters, and they placed the ball well. They also had good offensive serves, so they kept us out of system,” Schall said.

The game against Oberlin was one of the last conference games the team will play before the NCAC tournament begins on Nov. 6.

“A challenge this season has been facing adversity. Our conference is pretty tough, we want to face good opponents but it tests us as athletes,” Schall said.

Through the challenges, the team has adapted new techniques to improve.

“The biggest challenge has been getting comfortable with the coaches new philosophy. She is dedicated to [Game Error Management] and it changes how we react to balls and deploy in games, and adds a new dish to the table of things we can control,” said Paul Willison, ’16, student assistant.

Bush said that the most important thing the women have been working on is their energy and focus going into games.

As the season draws to a close, Schall said the team wants to change their 1-3 standing and make the playoffs.

The defensive line is a large part of the teams success.

“We are a huge defensive presence in the conference and run a tight perimeter. The incredible defensive line has guided the team and swing the momentum of the game,” Willison said.

This season the team has been focusing on having a good attitude and using that to be successful.

“We only lost one senior last year, so this year the biggest change has been in different leadership and positive attitudes. There are a lot of young [women] which adds to our well roundedness,” Schall said.

Bush said this year the team is more of a team and has been working on further developing the soul of the team.

Willison said the team has to be successful on and off the court and show dedication to the sport.

“The level of personal commitment has improved once players realized and appreciated what potential they have when we won a few games and saw we could play with tough teams. Dedication to volleyball IQ, understanding the mechanics of the games and theory behind what you’re doing have all lead to improvements,” Willison said.

The women are looking ahead to the NCAC tournament and what is to come in the final games of the season.

“Our main goal is the NCAC tournament and focusing on individual game on the court. We have a lot of talent from the freshmen to the seniors and we are able to be the best team if we stay energized,” Bush said.

The team will face Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 2 p.m.