By Yvonne Girard, Staff Writer
The Western New England Women’s Volleyball team has had a great run so far this season. Led by head coach Samantha Shomo, they finished off their regular season with a record of 11-13
For conference play, they are 3-4, with wins against Gordon College, University of New England, and Curry College. Senior Captain Taylor Deluga tells us that “there is a very strong team dynamic and chemistry” this season. Along with a solid upperclassmen presence, Deluga also made note of “some strong underclassmen that will pave the way” through playoffs and for future years of Golden Bear Volleyball.
The team is currently showing some impressive statistical numbers. Leading stats this season with 221 kills and 243 digs is Junior Sarah Scott. Senior Abigail Bundy follows right behind with 109 kills, and sophomore Becca Mayer with 205 digs.
The last “normal” season was fall of 2019, due to the pandemic suspending play last year. In 2019 the Golden Bears finished the season with a 12-18 record, doing much better than the 2018 season, where they finished at 9-20.
Western New England is currently sixth in the CCC standings. Their second to last match was a big 3-0 win against Nichols. The last match of the season against Endicott, standing at number 1 in the rankings, was a tough home 3-0 loss. Following this will be conference playoffs. Eight CCC teams will play for a chance to win the conference, which welcomes an automatic spot in the NCAA DIII tournament. The Golden Bears will be playing at Gordon College on Tuesday, November 2.
The Golden Bears have gotten recognition for CCC players of the week quite a few times this season. Freshman Taylor Geist had an outstanding game at the beginning of the year, recording 7.10 A/S, 71 assists, 19 digs, and 13 kills. With all conference awards coming out soon, we can expect to see a few Golden Bears named.
