Wayne State College volleyball is off to a 7-1 start this season, with strides being made through the season’s first few weeks, and continuous strides that will be made throughout the remainder of the season.

The Wildcats spent this past weekend competing in the Southeastern Oklahoma Tournament in Durant, Oklahoma, where they compiled a 3-1 record. They began the tournament against Southern Nazarene University, winning 3-1, then went on to also defeat East Central Oklahoma and Southeastern Oklahoma State by scores of 3-0 respectively, before falling to Central Oklahoma, 3-1.

“For the majority of the weekend, I felt like we were pretty sloppy,” Kneifl said. I didn’t feel like we were in sync. We were out of system a lot, but we did get better with each match.”

Despite the Wildcats suffering their first loss of the season in the tournament’s last match, Kneifl believes this matchup was his team’s most solid effort.

“We actually played our best match of the weekend against Central Oklahoma,” Kneifl said. “It was back and forth. We had our opportunities in that match, but we couldn’t take full advantage of them.”

Junior middle-hitter Tarrin Beller and sophomore middle hitter Jaci Brahmer were named to the All-Tournament team. Each were an important contribution, as Brahmer totaled 39 kills for the tournament and Beller tallied 37 of her own.

Junior outside-hitter Katie Stephens led the team with 43 kills on the weekend and sophomore outside hitter Alyssa Ballenger had 32 kills. Kneifl is excited to see contributions from everyone but would like to see some players elevate their level of play when it is needed most.

“Our team is really balanced, probably one of the most balanced it’s ever been if you look at the stat sheet,” Kneifl said. “But at the same time, we need some players to step up and break that habit. We’re going to need some go-to players in crunch time and as the season progresses, I’m sure we’ll figure out who that is.”

The Wildcats’ next game is tomorrow at Sioux Falls to start conference play.

“They’re big and physical. They’re off to a good start and they always play really well at home,” Kneifl said. It will be a difficult match.”

Sioux Falls is off to a 5-3 start to their season, and welcome Wayne State for their first home match of the season.

After traveling to Sioux Falls for Thursday’s matchup, the Wildcats will return to Wayne and play their first home match of the season on Saturday against Southwest Minnesota State, who finished with a 29-4 record last season and have a 5-3 record to start this season.

Kneifl knows this will be a difficult match as well but is excited for his team to play at home, especially after an abundance of commuting through the season’s first couple weeks.

“It’s always exciting to play at home in front of your fans and students, but more so just not to have to get on a bus or airplane,” Kneifl said. We’ve traveled pretty extensively these last couple weekends, and it’s going to be imperative that our kids get their legs back.”

After concluding action this week, Wayne State travels to Sioux Falls again next Tuesday to take on Augustana University. Kneifl stressed the importance of improving each and every match.

“The Northern Sun is starting now, and we’re going to have to pick it up every time we play,” Kneifl said.

The heart of volleyball season is approaching and the Wildcats are poised to provide intrigue throughout every contest, and with a roster full of depth, progressions are expected as the season rolls on.