Elon volleyball hosted the Phoenix Classic last weekend, with visitors including East Tennessee State University, Radford University and Morehead State University.

The Phoenix came up short in a 3-1 loss (24-30, 16-30, 30-22, 23-30) to ETSU on Friday afternoon, but bounced back Saturday to defeat Radford 3-1 (31-29, 30-20, 28-30, 30-27). The team could not carry the momentum into the night match and was swept 3-0 (24-30, 14-30, 17-30) by the tournament champions, Morehead State.

Middle blocker, senior Emily Lucci was named to the all-tournament team.

This weekend, the team travels to Chicago for the Illinois-Chicago Invitational. The Phoenix, now 4-2, will take on McNeese State on Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m. and follow with two matches the following day against North Dakota State and Illinois-Chicago at noon and 8 p.m., respectively.

“We’ve gotten off to a good start so far,” coach Mary Tendler said. “We have some experienced players and some new players that are going to take some time to mix together.”

The Phoenix has four freshmen: Sarah Schermerhorn, Lauren Copenhagen, Jo Beth Stoddard and Lizzie West. Junior Kelley Blakewood is the only transfer

With five new players, it will most likely take time to get used to teammates’ actions and responses to the ball in actual game play. The Phoenix has experienced some difficulties which it hopes improve on during practice this week.

“It’s early, and we’re still working out the kinks,” Lucci said. “We’re going to work hard and be mentally tough.”

Tendler specifically wants the team to make their serve-receive passing more consistent to get ready for next weekend, but wants the team to, overall, become their best as quickly as they can.

“We want to keep improving as a team and get better each week,” she said. “The team has high expectations and feels good about themselves.

“Everybody is really excited. We have a talented squad and just a lot to look forward to the rest of the way.”

The team hopes to make it to the semifinals of the SoCon Tournament, but the ultimate goal would be to win it all, according to Lucci.

“It’s only going to get better from here. We just want more people to come to the games.”

Reporter: Alex Salaymeh - 09/05/07