Posted: Sep 08, 2022

Spartans Ready to Start 2022 Season

Spartans Cassie Nolte, left, and Elisabeth Waterman practice earlier this season.

Cayuga Community College Spartans Volleyball is ready to get back on the court this week and take a step forward after a challenging 2021 season.

With three returning players and five newcomers, the Spartans are eager to build on a shortened 2021 season that saw them struggle to an 0-7 record. Based on the team's practices leading up to their first match, new Coach Kiana Younis believes the 2022 team has the ability and confidence improve this season.

"We've pushed them so far, maybe a little bit more than they expected. But we see the potential they have, and after a few days we started seeing improvement and so did they," she said. "Things are looking good, and I'm excited to see how the season plays out."

The Spartans open the season Saturday, September 10, with a match at Tompkins Cortland Community College. Cayuga will also play SUNY Broome and Corning Community College later the same day.

Cayuga has three returning players from the 2021 team, setter Marrin Owens, middle blocker Cassie Nolte and outside hitter Paige Lane. Owens led the 2021 team in digs, Nolte led in kills and Lane tied for the lead in aces. Newcomers Zoe DeRousie (libero), Rebecca Gates (serving specialist), Elisabeth Waterman (middle blocker), Meagan Fatcheric (outside hitter) and Skylar Starrett (opposite hitter) complete the 2022 roster.

Younis said the team has developed a strong sense of playing together rather than as individuals, but will have to continue working hard to overcome challenges connected to having a smaller roster.

But so far that hasn't been a problem, she said.

"Our biggest thing was showing them their potential, and the difference that can be made from one year to the next," she said. "We've worked on their strengths and weaknesses, focusing on their positions and putting in the work to make up for having only eight players. I think they've been surprised at how much better they've become."

Following the three away matches on Sept. 10, Cayuga has five straight road matchups before hosting their home opener on September 24 against Herkimer College, Mohawk Valley Community College and Fulton-Montgomery Community College. Home matches are in Spartan Hall.