On Saturday, Jan. 19, the EMU men’s volleyball team began their season with a schedule change. The day originally consisted of a trimatch, with Messiah College and Elms College traveling to compete. However, the format changed when Messiah College decided not to make the trip due to weather hazards. With games at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., the team hosted a doubleheader against Elms College (Chicopee, Mass.).

The men took away many positives and played well in the weekend of games. Elms had a lot of experience and chemistry developed from last season. The Royals stood their ground against nationally ranked Elms College, but they ended the day with a 0-2 record deficit.

The seniors who graduated last year definitely left a mark on EMU’s volleyball history. Despite losing five of the seven starters from last year, head coach Danielle Lickey is looking forward to her second season at EMU. New assistant coaches, Ben Durren and Colton Frey, will also bring a new dynamic to the group.

The team will be looking to multiple players as they take on new responsibilities on the court. Seniors Austin Tomlin, R.J Ocampo, and Travis Abele will lead the team through their vigorous game schedule this season. Many of the returning players have been put into new roles, and some have been placed into new positions.

With his new, expanded role, sophomore Wyatt Bollinger explains, “We have a lot of potential to capitalize on this season. I am glad that I am given the opportunity to step up, both on and off the court, but I am also grateful for my coaches and teammates. They have been very supportive and super helpful.” Bollinger looks forward to improving individually, while also pushing the team to new levels.

Abele is another player stepping into a new position this season. Abele stressed how practice makes progress. “Experience and consistency are learned and practiced,” he said. “Soon enough, we will have both of these on our side. Teams will not overlook us on the schedule.”

As for new additions to the team, four talented first-years were recruited into the 2019 season. First-year Jacob Durren explained the team dynamic. “With such a young team, the dynamics are very positive. Since a lot of people are newer to the college volleyball scene, we all tend to be understanding towards each other,” he said.

The Royals have no games until next weekend, when they will travel to Pennsylvania to compete in the Knight Classic.