The Owls went winless to open their season in the Kennesaw State Invitational at the Convocation Center on Friday and Saturday.
Despite the results, junior outsider hitter Manu Johnson was happy with the performance of the Owls newcomers.
“I am just super proud of our freshman because they are killing the game, and I wish I could support them as much as they are supporting me,” said Johnsen. “It is just awesome that the bench are so good at supporting us and I can hear them. It means a lot. It is not easy to sit out a whole game and not be playing but still cheering so hard for your teammates.” .
The Owls played their first match on Friday Aug. 30 against the Wichita State Shockers falling in four sets 3-1. There were some positives from this match from the Owls. Johnsen had 15 kills in the match while Olivia Burrage and Ava Garner each had nine kills.
In the contest, the Owls took the first set 25-21, fell 25-17 in the second set, dropped the third set 25-16 and the fourth set 25-19.
Coach Keith Schunzel faced his former team in the night contest against the Indiana Hoosiers. The Owls lost to the Hoosiers in three sets. Schunzel said he expects Indiana will be one of the best teams the Owls will face this season.
“I know Steve (Aird) and Kevin (Hodge) and that staff and they do a great job and this is probably the best team were going to play all year unless we get into the NCAA tournament and play somebody better,” Schunzel said. “These guys will be in the NCAA tournament.”
Schunzel said he was impressed with Johnsen’s improvement, as she was one of the bright spots for the Owls in the tournament
“The thing I am excited about with Manu is that her blocking and her passing have really improved,” Schunzel said. “She came in as an older player. She was 20 when she got here. She can attack the ball. She is now learning how to pass it and block it at a higher level. She is becoming a better all-around player. She is one of if not our most dynamic attacker.”
Schunzel said the Owls are looking to keep on growing and keep on getting better as a team.
“Were just trying to grow one day at a time.” Schunzel said.
The Owls also played Wichita State again on Saturday, Aug. 31. in the final game of the tournament.
The Owls were on their way to victory going up 2-0, but proceeded to drop the next three, falling to 0-3 on the weekend.
The Owls will make the road trip up to Boone, North Carolina next to face Gardner-Webb, Appalachian State and East Tennessee State in the Mountaineer Classic before returning home on Sep. 10. to play in-state rival Mercer in the Convocation Center.
