As a long season takes its toll, the ASU volleyball team remains positive.
The Sun Devils have a record of 5-16 this year and have only won one game in the Pac-12 so far. But players and coaches still have faith in the team.
Coach Jason Watson said he enjoys coming to the gym every day.
“I like coming to practice and I like how our athletes get after it,” Watson said. “I think they are trying to get better and each day that is what we are trying to do, get better.”
Junior middle blocker Erica Wilson is remaining optimistic as the season progresses as well.
“We need to stay positive and know that we have more games and try to finish better than we started,” Wilson said.
Sophomore middle blocker Alexis Pinson is focusing on the present and not dwelling on the past or future.
“I think it’s important to take it one play at a time, one day at a time, one practice at a time (and) one match at a time,” Pinson said. “If you start looking too far ahead that is when it gets overwhelming.”
Bachynski speaks up
During a scrimmage on Tuesday, senior outside hitter Malia Bachynski’s team was struggling against the other players. She then spoke some encouraging words to her teammates and attacked the ball aggressively to pump them up.
Wilson said she was happy to see the senior step up and lead.
“I was glad that she stepped up, because no one else would,” Wilson said, “She brought the team back together and that’s what we need.”
Pinson respected Bachynski for not only speaking up, but also following it up with intense play.
“She not only talked about it but she backed it up with her play,” Pinson said. “She started hitting the ball well (and) getting some good blocks.”
Bachynski has made an impact for the Sun Devils this year with 27 kills this year, but her senior leadership has helped the team even more.
Outside hitters do it all
In most of the Sun Devils’ rotations an outside hitter is stationed in the back row of the defense.
Outside hitters like redshirt sophomore Ashley Kastl, sophomore Bethany Jorgensen and freshman Nora Tuioti-Mariner have played the hitter position in the back line.
When a hitter is stationed back there they have to be a well-rounded volleyball player and have sound technique for all the skills.
Watson said that with the way the game has changed, outside hitters must be able to hit, but also dig and set well.
“For a while, it was just these specialists that were good at a couple things,” Watson said. “I think with the invention of rally scoring, I think you got to be good at everything because you got to create opportunities.”
ASU will rely on their hitters to attack for points and play defense in the back row.
ASU missing height
Two players are sidelined with injuries right now for the Sun Devils. Their absences have made an impact on the team.
If both 6’1 redshirt junior outside hitter Sofie Schlagintweit and 6’4 redshirt freshman Julia Katolik were healthy they would certainly add some height to the team.
Watson said that both players would add some physicality to the team up front. He also said that Schlagintweit brings some experience to the team.
“She’s been in some battles and she’s experienced and seen a lot of volleyball,” Watson said. “We miss that experience. We are happy they are here and when we get them, we get them.”
Reach the reporter at ehubbard@asu.edu
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