While 3-8 doesn’t resemble a strong season on paper, head volleyball coach Sue Leonard is not disappointed.

"I put [the team] in a position to be challenged gradually each weekend; each tournament has stiffer competition," Leonard said.

In the second win of the season over Hampton University on Sept. 7, the Phoenix gave Leonard her 300th career win. The milestone comes in her 14th season at the helm of the Elon volleyball program.

"This milestone, like others, is attributed to a strong program and talented players," Leonard said.

Last weekend the Phoenix competed in the Cleveland State Invitational.

Suffering from jet leg Sept. 13, the Phoenix dropped the first game to Marshall University (3-0), but rebounded on Sept. 14, defeating St. Francis University (3-1). The Phoenix dropped their third game of the tournament to Cleveland State University (3-0).

Senior captain Laura Griffin reached a milestone in the win against St. Francis with her 1,000th career kill. Last year Griffin led the team in kills, and she continues to dominate this season. Also receiving honors in Cleveland was senior Kristi Tunila, who was awarded a position on the All-Tournament team.

The competition that the Phoenix has faced is a step up from last season, and it has given the team an opportunity to work on their weaknesses and prepare for conference play. Leonard’s goal is for the two new setters and the experienced outside players to adjust to each other and increase the number of kill attempts per game. Leonard also expects her captains will bring their own skills to the team.

"Each [of the women] brings their own experience to the team and each is a role model," Leonard said.

She credits Katie Forman as a great intensity player and defensive specialist.

Leonard also said that Griffin is a leader and a role model to her team both on and off the court. With the three captains bringing their combined talents to the court, the Phoenix hope to polish off their skills this weekend as they travel to Philadelphia to compete in the University of Pennsylvania Invitational beginning Friday.