Stephens volleyball team starts season at Kansas event

COLUMBIA — The Stephens College volleyball team opens its season today at the McPherson Tournament in McPherson, Kansas. Despite being winless in the same tournament the past two years, coach Michelle Gregory said she is optimistic.

“Last year we were 0-4, but we were in every match,” Gregory said. “We didn’t get spanked.”

Gregory said she likes to start off seasons by playing good competition, allowing her to see where her team needs improvement earlier on.

The addition of five freshmen bolsters the Stars, and Gregory expects them all to contribute early. Even with the influx of new faces, the team has shown an immediate chemistry.

“It’s been amazing how well they communicate with one another,” Gregory said.

She said this year’s team has shown more cohesiveness now than last year’s team did at the end of the season.