Season Outlook: The women’s volleyball team has gotten off to an optimistic start this season, despite leaving the Indiana Invitational last weekend at 1-2. The Flashes bounced back against Robert Morris (Pa.), holding the Colonials to their fewest points in nearly three years in a 3-0 win. The team also stayed in close competition during losses to Indiana and Rutgers.

Upcoming games: The Flashes travel to California to participate in the Fullerton Classic, where they will play Cal St. Fullerton Friday and Gardner-Webb and William & Mary Saturday.

Last game: Volleyball enters this weekend coming off a loss at Indiana in four sets (11-25, 22-25, 25-22, 22-25).

Last year: Cal St. Fullerton, the host of the meet, is coming off a season where it went 15-16 and finished 6th in the Big West Conference. Gardner-Webb finished 9-22 last season, and William & Mary finished 13-14.

Key players: Middle Blocker Liz Reikow is coming off an outstanding Indiana Invitational where she was named to the all-tournament team, and is currently third on the team with 22 kills, behind Bianca Cifaldi (25) and Kelly Hutchison (24). Senior defender Hannah Herc will be an important part of the team’s success also, as she leads the team with 27 digs.

What the coach has to say: Head coach Don Gromala was impressed by his team’s performance and saw visual improvement last weekend, something he is hoping to continue to see.

“We got better throughout the weekend, and our goal in every tournament is to be playing our best in that last match,” Gromala said.

Looking Ahead: Following the Fullerton Classic, the Flashes will prepare for the Thunder Invitational beginning Sept. 13 in Huntington, W. Va.

Contact Kent Hushion at [email protected].