The volleyball squad had their first North Coast Athletic Conference win over Ohio Wesleyan University this past Saturday. Despite trailing in the beginning, the team prevailed, managing to win in only three sets. The margin for each set was small: 26–24 for the first and second sets, and 25–23 for the third.

First-year Jillian Hostetler was impressed with the team’s performance. “I think we played really well together. I could sense that we were playing as a team,” she said.

This early success is exciting for the young team, comprised of six first-years and a small core of upperclassmen. The entire roster is quite small, consisting of only 11 athletes. Though low numbers and few returning players could be difficult but, according to Coach Erica Rau, the Yeowomen appear to be flourishing under the pressure.

“This is the most talented team I’ve coached since I’ve been at Oberlin, and I’ve always known this was going to be our most successful year yet,” said Rau.

Other teams have observed the marked success of the Yeowomen so far this season.

“The other coaches have come up to [Coach] Erica and given her compliments about how good we look this year,” said Hostetler.

According to Hostetler, the adjustment to collegiate athletics can be difficult, and with a team so dependent on first-year players this adjustment is crucial.

“There is a lot expected at this level, and it took a bit of adjusting because the pace is so much quicker, ” said Hostetler, who finished the game with 11 kills. “It’s harder to get kills, aces and good passes. [Players] at this level have a lot of technique, whereas in high school they might just have good athleticism,” she said.

Captain Christine Antonsen said that for the first-years, “It’s a lot of learning while doing, which can be hard.”

The captains themselves are younger than in past years, as Antonsen is a junior and the other captain, Molly Powers, is a sophomore. According to Rau, the young leadership has fostered a unique team atmosphere.

“Our two captains are a sophomore and a junior who have done a great job leading and teaching the culture, but we try to cultivate a very collaborative environment where everyone can help lead, and everyone’s voice is heard,” said Rau.

The most prominent goal of this season is focusing on developing a strong and stable team.

“The biggest thing we need to focus on is being consistent, because we have some pretty incredible moments, ” said Antonsen, who believes that the team will meet this goal if they can remain optimistic.

“I think the biggest thing for us is to have a positive mental attitude,” she said.

The Yeowomen travel to White Oak, PA on Saturday to play Penn State — Greater Allegheny.