SFA’s Laura Railey hits the ball past the blocks of SMU’s Stefanie Kons (left) and Natalie Peters (right).
The SMU volleyball team went 0-2 this past weekend in disappointing losses on both East Carolina and Marshall. The Mustangs suffered through the absence of starters Jeannette Evanco and Natalie Peters, who were both out due to injuries. Peters will return tonight to face SFA, but Evanco is not expected to see anymore playing time this season.
Head Coach Lisa Seifert says Evanco’s injury is a “critical loss that is irreplaceable” to the team.
“She was projected as the best libero in the conference. When you lose a defensive player who is your captain, who is your voice, who everyone looks to for motivation, it makes it challenging,” she said.
While Seifert shoulders most of the blame for the losses this weekend, it was the lack of a full, healthy roster that affected SMU the most.
Offensively, the Mustangs are still on top, with juniors Caitlin Rainbird and Rachel Giubilato each posting double-doubles this weekend. Against East Carolina, Rainbird had 14 kills and 17 digs. Freshman Kendra Kahanek did her best to push SMU to victory, but her 11 kills and six blocks were not enough against the Pirates. Giubilato had 23 kills and five digs versus ECU while freshman Adrienne Zielasko contributed six blocks to no avail.
The Pirates came out swinging in game one, but SMU put together enough points to take game two. The Mustangs were ultimately unable to defend their court and fell to ECU in four games (30-24, 29-31, 30-17, 30-17).
The loss to ECU was a direct result of SMU’s youth and inexperience on the court. The injuries of two starting players left major gaps for young freshman to fill. According to Coach Seifert, the level of play versus East Carolina was not the best the Mustangs could do.
“Marshall is a good team and very well coached, but we played much better [Sunday] than Friday. It was two different teams,” coach said.
Sunday was Parents’ Day at Moody Coliseum, but SMU was again defeated at home. Marshall toppled the Mustangs in three games (33-31, 30-26, 30-28), making SMU 10-8 for the season and 1-4 in C-USA play. Giubilato posted yet another double- double against Marshall, bringing her total to 10 for the season. Rainbird nailed 11 kills while Kahanek had eight kills and six blocks.
Despite the team’s disappointing conference record, coach Seifert still believes that a C-USA championship is a viable goal.
“We’ve remained positive and continue to get better everyday. We’re going to make that easier or more difficult depending on our seed. From here on out, we have to get better with each game,” coach Seifert said.
Sophomore Natalie Peters returns to SMU’s starting line-up tonight to take on SFA. The game begins at 7 p.m. in Moody Coliseum.
