This week in competitive play, the team was faced with two away matches.  We headed down the road a bit where we were met by a very scrappy and unpredictable Denison team.  Although we won in straight games, I think our girls learned a very valuable lesson to bring and play our game no matter who is on the opposite side of the net.  Two days later, we took a VERY long van ride (5 minutes) to Kenyon to play in an amazing athletic complex.  Winning in straight games, we got to experiment a little with the lineups and learned a little as to what worked and what didn’t.  If you are sick of away games already, no worries.  We have a home game this Saturday against Daemen at 1:00 p.m.

This week’s blog belongs to freshman Haley Nofziger.  She is middle hitter from Wauseon, Ohio and wears jersey number 7.  On the court, Haley is a very powerful player.  She, unlike others (me), was blessed with jumping ability which enables her to be a very solid blocker and attacker.  However, the thing I love most about Haley is that she doesn’t let a mistake get to her.  Whether it is in a game or in practice, she shakes any mistake off with a smile and is ready for the next ball.  I don’t believe that Haley has one negative bone in her body.  I am excited to see how much she develops as an athlete throughout the rest of this season, and once she gets the hang of how much quicker college volleyball is, she will be unstoppable.

Off the court, Haley carries the same positivity with her as she does in competition.  Her laugh is contagious, and I believe every one of us have learned a little something from Haley.  She has been through some rough situations in her life.  However, she still manages to hold her head high and be thankful for what she has today.  Haley is studying physical education here at the Naz.  Haley has the spirit and capability to do great things in both her athletic and academic years.  I am very blessed to be able to spend my last year with her as her teammate.