Volleyball team struggles to rebound from weekend losses
After suffering two losses over the weekend, the volleyball team looks to regroup to secure a place in the Conference USA Tournament.
By Jay Armstrong
Skiff Staff

The volleyball team suffered two disappointing losses to Conference USA opponents Southern Mississippi and Tulane over the weekend. The Frogs (8-10, 0-2 C-USA) were competitive in both matches, but struggled to finish strong.

“We are always even with teams at 20, but we don’t finish,” said junior setter Tori Barlow. “It’s a mental thing — not a physical thing. It’s something we’ve struggled with in the past.”

The Frogs suffered lapses in several key areas at critical times over the weekend. Service and hitting errors hindered what looked to be promising rallies.

“We had some amazing plays tonight, but they got washed in the loss,” head coach Prentice Lewis said. “As soon as we learn to play to 30, we’re gonna be (extremely) good.”

At times the team seemed to take a step backward in important aspects of their game.

“Tonight we didn’t communicate on the court,” said freshman outside hitter Carissa Mills, following Saturday’s loss. “We have to come ready to play right from the start.”

However despite the two tough losses, the team says they are determined to rebound.

“It’s hard to leave this on the floor, hard on the kids to lose,” Lewis said with emotion. “We are not quitters.”

Her players say they share this sentiment.

“We are not done,” Barlow said. “We’ve got a long season still to play and lots of good things are still to come.”

The Frogs get their chance to prove it this weekend as they travel to St. Louis in need of a win. The Frog’s road swing continues with a match at Memphis on Saturday. Two losses this weekend would seriously hinder the team’s chances of making the C-USA Tournament. However, a sweep this weekend would move the team into position to make a run in the tournament.

The Frogs only have four home games remaining on the schedule. Three of which are against the conference front-runners Louisville, Cincinnati and South Florida.