5-1 MAC start has RedHawks eyeing top 25 poll

By: Drew Bollea

Posted: 10/12/07

With a win over the University of Akron Zips last weekend, the RedHawks volleyball team has extended its win streak to five matches-and its 5-1 record in the Mid-American Conference is the team's best start since 1999.

The 'Hawks are dominating their opponents, sweeping their last three matches in three straight games-making a statement in the MAC and letting their actions speak louder than words.

"We are demanding respect from our opponents with our play on the court and making sure that nobody overlooks Miami," said senior Jeanna Staun.

The RedHawks defeated their first nationally ranked opponent in school history by beating the Bobcats of Ohio University 3-1 earlier in the season, and have also received votes to get into the national top 25 poll the past few weeks, although still have been unable to get ranked nationally.

"It has been really exciting for us because we've been playing so well together and have been able to compete with, and beat, some very good teams," Staun said.

A lot of the RedHawks' success has come due to their focus before and during their matches.

"Our main focus each week is the team that we will be facing next," said Assistant Coach Adriano de Souza. "And during the games we want to make the best of every opportunity to score."

Another key component to Miami's success is its togetherness throughout matches. The 'Hawks are flying high with confidence and are very comfortable with each other out on the court. They are meshing well together as a team, and are playing as a single cohesive unit, according to de Souza.

"Each game someone new steps up and plays really well," de Souza said. "Our team has great chemistry together."

The 'Hawks also attribute a great deal of their recent success to the fact that they returned everyone from last year's squad.

"We have learned to play together over the past few years, and we have been able to integrate the freshmen into our system," Staun said.

However, it is the sophomore class that has been the spark plug for the surging RedHawk offense throughout this win streak.

"Our sophomore class is really working well together and providing some good offense and team defense when blocking at the net," said senior Carli Reihman.

Sophomore Megan Griffin has led the charge, averaging 3.65 kills per match in the past five matches. Sophomore setter Andrea Atteberry has also contributed on offense by averaging 12.47 assists per match throughout the past five wins.

"With our team working so well together and someone new (is) playing great each game; we have become a tough team to beat," Staun said.

The 'Hawks look to continue their success this weekend at home when they take on Eastern Michigan at 7 p.m. Friday, and Central Michigan at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

"Every match is important," Staun said. "We can't get ahead of ourselves. We need to attack each match one at a time and make people aware of Miami."