Bonnie Koenn -- CBU men’s volleyball amps up for the game.
The California Baptist University Men’s Volleyball team wrapped up the 2012 spring season proudly, leaving nothing on the court.
Starting off the regular season with three wins and six losses, the Lancers continued the struggle into the Penn State Invitational where they left with a 0-3 record, losing to D1 schools such as Ohio State (No.9), Penn State (No. 5), and Harvard.
Then came the Hall of Fame Classic where the men split matches losing to Lees-McRae and then sweeping UC Santa Cruz with a win.
Regardless of match and opponent, the team began every game with a positive, encouraging attitude that would reflect onto the court.
“The men work the best when they remind one another what they are competing for and who they are honoring when they do. The do not perform well when they begin to self examine and speak negatively about themselves as players and people. Once they realize that mistakes are part of learning and that out of every negative a positive can be found to learn upon, then they begin to better their understanding of how to perform at their best,” Allan Vince, Interim coach, said.
“Our team always comes together for a life story and a devotion during the pregame, then on occasion we would make a circle and yell loudly while moving left and right to get ready for the game,” Kris Johnson, Junior, said.
After a rough start for the Lancers, the rest of the season seemed to take a turn for the best. Winning all four matches in the Lindenwood Tournament, CBU followed up with a needed win over No. 15 Loyola Chicago in Riverside. Continuing on their streak, the Lancers also defeated Indiana teams Lewis and Purdue-Fort Wayne, beating both teams in 5 during the Active Ankle Tournament. These matches gave the men the boost they needed to carry on a positive rest of their season.
“The key in both the Lindenwood and Active Ankle tournament was our confidence in each other and we played hard each and every play. The Lindenwood tournament gave us a big confidence boost that held strong for most of the rest of the season,” Daniel “Frito” Freitas, said.
Teammate Kris Johnson, agreed. “I feel like after we won in Lindenwood, we just got on a winning high and kept the streak going. I was just really nice to continue to win the 5th game.”
For the remainder of the regular season matches, CBU wrapped up their last five matches with alternating wins and losses to end 3-2. After a satisfying season, CBU Men’s volleyball has high hopes come next spring.
“I believe that making the switch from NAIA to Division 2 and now being the 13th team in the MPSF will be enough to garner new interest from serious Christian athletes. It is an amazing recruiting tool to be able to say that CBU is one of 13 schools who are proven time and time again as a winning program, who live out their faith and love for Jesus Christ alongside their teammates and classmates daily,” Interim coach, Allan Vince, said.
Another big change that will be made is a new coaching staff for next season. Wes Schneider will take place as head coach; with Blair Penner and Allan Vince working along side him as assistant coaches.
Overall, the Lancers gave everything they had this season, and settled with nothing but their best. Freitas adds, “I believe this team matured and grew very quickly this year. We are a very young team and had an unexpected loss at the coaching spot. With these obstacles in our path, I believe we did an overall great job this season.”
