The Point Loma Nazarene University women’s volleyball team has begun their season, and it has already been a relatively memorable one in many ways. The early part of their season has had a lot of ups and downs, both on and off the court. This fall, the team basically came in with an entirely new roster of players that were excited and ready to get in the gym and start their season.
“I love the freshmen, I love the incoming transfers, and the effort and the energy that they bring,” said head coach Jonathan Scott. “Our culture is getting better and better, and a lot of the stuff that is going on off the court is fantastic.”
Everything seemed to be going perfectly as the girls started off the preseason strong. But slowly, injuries started occur one after another. The PLNU women’s volleyball team has had at least one significant injury in every position except for the setter position. A couple of those injured are working on their rehab and are hoping to get back on the court, but there are several more who are out for the season.
Currently, there are only nine healthy players, which has created some challenges for the team. “Practices have been pretty challenging with the numbers,” said senior Christin Fisher, who was recently named the PacWest Defender of the Week. “Girls are getting a lot of reps, which is good, but at the same time, with our first two preseason tournaments, we played eight matches in a span of one week, so it’s just a lot of fatigue on our bodies.”
Aside from limiting the amount of players who can practice, the injuries have also affected the rest of the team emotionally. “We are so close,” said freshman Cara Keturakis. “When one person gets hurt, we’re all kind of hurt about their hurt.”
Regardless of these tribulations, the team has made the best of the situation and is excited for the rest of the season. Every single healthy player has stepped up in one way or another and, despite not being deep in roster size any longer, everyone is contributing in a significant way. The team has grown closer, and the injured players continue to support their teammates by pouring positive energy into them and encouraging them.
“Going forward when we are on the court, we are playing for them as well as we are playing for each other,” said Keturakis. “They are all on the sidelines cheering their hearts out even though they are injured, and it’s just so exciting and motivating.”
Coach Scott is hopeful and excited for the rest of the season and what it has in store for the PLNU women’s volleyball team.
“These girls are ready to learn, improve, [and] continue working hard,” said Scott. “We are having a great time.”
Cade Michaelson 
Luke Mallery