CSM volleyball has high expectations this year
OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary Volleyball Coach Rick Pruett has been pleased with what he's seen from his volleyball squad so far this season.
The Flames officially kick off the 2023 season Thursday and Friday at the 8th Annual Big Sky Volleyball Challenge in Butte, Mont. But the squad has already had two scrimmages this fall that has Pruett excited for what's to come. One scrimmage was against one of the top teams in the country in Midland University and the other was an intrasquad match.
"Our scrimmages have gone well," Pruett said. "Our blocking has been very strong as well as our defense. The team's energy level has been high. We need to work on some timing issues offensively, but I've been happy with how we've performed."
This year's team will have a tough act to follow after the Flames had a standout season last year. CSM finished 21-9 overall and 9-7 in the Great Plains Athletic Conference a year ago. The squad qualified for nationals and won two matches – one over Indiana University Kokomo and one over Rocky Mountain College – before being eliminated by the eventual NAIA national champions of the University of Jamestown.
Gone from that squad are five-year starter Makenna Freeman and starter Rachel Rosenquist, but back are key components in Rachel Cushing, Kamryn Willman and Lexie Langely. Cushing was named to the GPAC All-Conference First Team last year, while Willman landed on the Second Team and Rosenquist and Langely were selected as Honorable Mention. Cushing was also named an All-America Second team selection.
When Pruett considers the other key returners for the Flames, as well as the new additions to squad, he's hopeful for another solid run in the 2023 campaign.
"Our experience and our depth will be one of our strengths this season," he said. "Our offense will be strong. The effort and competitiveness I've already seen in practices has been high and our team chemistry has been really good. The ladies seem very driven."
Pruett hopes that translates into another high finish in the very competitive GPAC field and another trip to nationals.
"I expect us to be in the top four in the GPAC and compete for a national championship," Pruett said. "The GPAC looks to be a gauntlet again this year. I feel confident that we will be pushing for a top spot in the league. The mindset of this team is strong and we are ready."