UMW women’s volleyball team serves up a 3-0 victory over Virginia Union University

by AMANDA SHEWARD

Staff Writer

The University of Mary Washington women’s volleyball team went head to head against Virginia Union University and defeated them in three straight sets on Sept. 18. It was a close match for all three rounds, but UMW came out on top. 

UMW alumna and new Head Coach Emma Rohde led the team to victory. Rohde previously played on the same team she now coaches for four years between 2013 and 2017. This is Rohde’s first season as the Eagle’s head coach, and she is eager to see the team flourish. 

“Coming back home to UMW as an alum to lead this program I was personally a part of is such a special opportunity,” she said. “I cherish each day and am excited to help grow and elevate the program into the future.” 

Like the majority of UMW Athletics, the volleyball team is classified as NCAA Division III, however, Virginia Union University is an NCAA Division II school. This matchup required additional scouting and brought an extra level of intensity to the gameplay.

“The game for me was very fun and competitive,” said Sydney Alken, a sophomore psychology major. “It was exciting to be matched up against a Division II school, and I was striving for my best during the game.”

As a result of careful preparation and scouting, the team swept the Virginia Union University Lady Panthers in a 3–0 win. 

“The team executed our scout well,” Rohde said. “We knew Virginia Union would be athletic and quick and that we had to play just as fast to be successful.” 

This win improved the Eagles’ record to 7–5, with players and coaching staff alike having seen consistent improvements since the start of the season. 

“It is always overly exciting to win 3–0 with my team,” said Aiken. “We have already improved so much this season, and it makes me so happy to see all our hard work pay off.” 

As head coach, Rohde has brought a new sense of optimism to this team, says Hannah Livermon, a senior business administration major. 

“The team has the opportunity for so much growth and our new coach Emma Rohde is really fostering a great culture and increasing our knowledge of the game,” said Livermon. “We are also positive and relaxed in our position compared to past years.” 

The Eagles will face SUNY Cortland on Sept. 27 at an invitational hosted by Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.