Volleyball soars to new heights
The Saints continue their clean sweep after their victory against SWOCC on Sept. 22 and Umpqua on Sept. 23. Struggling early in the match, MHCC felt the pressure of SWOCC’s game and fans, splitting the first tow games 30-20 and 22-30. Coach Lena Chan says the team had to develop “mental toughness” half way through the game which shows great strength in the team itself. “The good news is that our team figured out how to change things for the better,” says Chan. “It shows character when a team can make changes in the middle of a match.” The team finished the game with 30-20 and 30-26. After a three year haitus from the game, Umpqua’s reinstated volleyball team fought hard against MHCC but lost 30-12,30-11 and 30-13. Coach Lena Chan is proud of the rivaling team for getting back on their feet but feel they have some catching up to do. “I’m so glad that they are trying to rebuild their volleyball program but they are defintly starting at sqaure one,” said Chan. “We did a good job playing out level. We moved the line-up around quite a bit to give our players a chance to improve their all around game.” Freshman middle back Ashley Dyment and sophomore middle back Jamie Richards lead the match with 10 kills each. Freshman setter Chy Chrichton lead the match with assists at 16 total, follow closley by sophomore defensive setter Jean Rho at 13. Sophomore outside hitter Rashelle Davenport has proven herself offensively and against Umpqua and SWOCC this past weekend. The team is leading the southern region of NWAACC by 4-0. Their next match is against Clackamas who stand right behind them at 3-0. Considered their “rivals,” the Saints are well aware of their advantages and disadvantages over Clackamas. “Each team has a system so even if you are a great player, you have to learn the team system. Our team is definitely getting closer to staying within the system for longer during each match,” says Chan. “They are understanding each other better and what that makes each teammate successful.” “It can’t be done by one person, all of us seem to give a lot of support to everyone whether it’s on the bench or on the court,” said team captain Jamie Richards. “Everybody is very supportive of each other. If everybody does their job then we’ll get it done.” The team got another ego boost when Sophomore outside hitter Brittney Belshe was named Defensive player of the week last week. Honored by the recognition, Belshe recognizes the work she endured and the improvement she has made since her freshman year. “I’ve grown so much in defense,” said Belshe. “Last year I was not very good in defense so to grow that much in one year, it felt good.” Through this recognition, Belshe hopes to catch the attention of many recruiters. She also received a congratulations from the coach at Oregon State University. MHCC will compete against Clackamas Saturday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. at the main gym. For more information call (503) 491- 7452.
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