With an overall record of 8-5 so far this season, it is safe to say that the Oswego State women’s volleyball team remains on the upswing. Boasting six new players this year, claiming they have not skipped a beat would prove to be an understatement as their record and statistics imply that this team is very much for real, despite the rough showing this past weekend at the Stevens Institute of Technology Ducks Classic.

Head coach J.J. O’Connell and assistant coach and former player Mary Montagnola pave the way forward for this dynamic group of collegiate athletes. Preaching the benefits of pushing oneself for the sake of others, the coaching staff believes that this group of athletes have the potential to reach their season goal.

This team expects results and knows that with any progress, first comes the process. Junior libero Rina Qelaj is not ready just yet to be claiming satisfaction for how the season has gone so far.

“We’re winning and we’re doing what we need to do as a team,” Qelaj said. “We’re working toward getting better and connecting as a team. Right now we’re doing great, but we have higher goals and we’re working towards that.”

In order to appreciate the success, it’s important to consider the loss of past players such as Kelsey Dillon, Kim Cassa and Rachel Ruggaber. Terrific players in their own respects, Oswego State volleyball has relied on the depth of their team this year to claim victories.

“Last year we lost a lot of good hitters, such as Kelsey Dillon and Kim Cassa who were amazing blockers, but we’ve had players like Meaghan Roefs who’s stepped it up with the blocking this year, she only had one error in our entire last tournament,” Qelaj said.  “That’s a big victory for us and for her.”

Captain Lindsey Champitto also recognizes the influence of previous teammates on herself as she leads this team forward.

“Being a captain now, I learned a lot from Kelsey [Dillon] and Rachel [Ruggaber],” Champitto said.  “They were great at pushing us when we might’ve been two games down or turning us around when we were feeling down. I’m trying to step into that role as a captain now and find the balance where we can push past tough losses or get over the hump in a tough game. Especially getting into SUNY play now where you only see an opponent once this season, you have to step up when it’s time.”

According to Champitto, Jessica Long has stepped up in place of Ruggaber, the veteran libero, and filled this hole on the roster nicely.

“She played every single game whether we were winning or losing, she was there,” Champitto said. “Meaghan Roefs has also stepped up recently to help us get some points we weren’t getting earlier in the season.”

While gameplay remains paramount, there is also something to be said for the environment within Max Ziel gymnasium when this team practices. How they communicate with each other and hold each other accountable emanates the feel of an important team and program. Players who have transferred in, such as junior Isabella Winkelstein, appreciate and acknowledge this difference in the program.

“The highlight for me has been being a part of this team,” Winkelstein said.  “Being able to make it and play for coach O’Connell, who is a great coach and has taught me more than a lot of coaches I’ve had in the past. Just being with a team that pushes you for your best and makes you want to play harder has been awesome.”

The overall sense of determination this team has remains evermore apparent with the high expectations they’ve set for themselves compared to prior years.

“We have higher goals than last year,” Qelaj said. “This year we’re trying to win the whole conference, and to do that you have to be consistent and commit less errors. Our coach stresses getting our passes directly to the setter so the setter remains stationary and allows for better contact. We have higher goals which allow us to play at a higher level.”

First year assistant coach Montagnola knows that her players are in a unique position, yet feels that this position can be veered wholeheartedly in a positive direction as a result of role fulfillment.

“Winkelstein has definitely filled the shoes of Kim Cassa,” Montagnola said.  “She came in ready to go at the outside hitter position. Qelaj as the libero has come a long way, but now that she has realized that it’s her team and it’s her time to shine, she’s really stepping up. These players will continue to contribute for the rest of this season.”

Champitto’s vocal leadership qualities  give this team another aspect that they lost due to graduation, according to Montagnola,

The Oswego State Lakers women’s volleyball team is a group made up of players from different academic years, different majors and different lives

The team cohesion and mindset could be characterized as singular, with one goal in mind: A conference title. They’re trusting their process, and keeping their eyes on the ball.