By Mary York
It was all fire and feathers on Saturday as San Diego Christian College women’s volleyball team hosted Arizona Christian University. The Hawks of Santee won the match against the Stormin’ Normans (Firestorm) of Arizona in four sets, taking the last three back-to-back. These ladies don’t mess around.
By Mary York
It was all fire and feathers on Saturday as San Diego Christian College women’s volleyball team hosted Arizona Christian University. The Hawks of Santee won the match against the Stormin’ Normans (Firestorm) of Arizona in four sets, taking the last three back-to-back. These ladies don’t mess around.
“I think it’s almost better to play under pressure,” said Co-Captain Juliana Gutknecht, senior, kinesiology. “I think when we need to do it, we come together as a team and fight really hard. Sometimes it takes a second to get going, but once we do you can’t stop us.”
SDC plays in the Golden State Athletic Conference which includes the number one nationally ranked volleyball squad in the nation, Biola University, who they lost to in September, 0-3.
“We have very strong opponents,” said Coach Barbara Wnek. “Four of the teams are in the top 20 in the country. Our work is cut out for us but we’re extremely tough. We’re competitive. We’re just trying to work our way into that top group of four teams.”
The ACU Firestorm proved to be just the kind of iron the Hawks needed to sharpen their talons. After losing their first set, 25-23, the Hawks had to fight for every point to take the next three games, 25-17, 25-20 and 25-14.
“It’s good, fun competition,” said Gutknecht brightly after their win, putting them at 8-7 for the season. Gutknecht is currently leading the team in kills, topping 153 after their most recent game.
Co-Captain Aleka Estrada, senior, kinesiology, said an influx of transfers, as well as some skilled veteran players, are doing a lot to increase the ferocity of the flock.
“We got some new transfers and returners who are just killing it this year,” said Estrada. “It’s a huge asset to our team.”
Six of the girls in blue are transfers from other colleges and juniors and seniors take up more than half the bench this year, making the Hawk’s nest quite seasoned indeed.
Wnek was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2005 and coached at Point Loma University for 17 years before coming over to lead the SDC squad last year. She has her hands full with the ambitious Hawks and their fiercely competitive conference.
“Blocking is our strength,” said Wnek of her new brood. “It’s difficult to play those nationally ranked teams and come back and play at that level where we’re fighting for every point. We’ve worked hard to prepare. I’m proud of them.”
The Hawks host La Sierra University on Oct. 6 before traveling to Life Pacific College on the Oct. 9. They play ACU one last time on Oct. 27, going all the way to Phoenix to prove their prowess.
