2022 Point volleyball season preview
WEST POINT, Ga. (Aug. 18, 2022) – The Point University volleyball team will begin their 2022 campaign by traveling to Bowling Green, Ky., to compete in the Vette City Classic. The Skyhawks will kick off the tournament against McPherson on Friday, Aug. 19, at 10 a.m. EST.
Point will go on to compete in three more matches over the weekend. They will complete their Friday slate with a matchup against Indiana Southeast at 3 p.m. EST and conclude the tournament on Saturday by competing against Tennessee Southern at 10 a.m. EST and Lindsey Wilson at 3 p.m. EST.
A look at last season
The Skyhawks finished 14-16 (10-10 AAC) in 2021 and made their fifth consecutive Appalachian Athletic Conference tournament appearance. The Skyhawks' season ended in the quarterfinal round of the AAC tournament, where they fell to regular season co-champions CIU.
Point's biggest win came in their conference home opener against Reinhardt, where the Skyhawks defeated the Eagles in five sets.
The Skyhawks graduated six members from last year's squad: Madison Bentley, Audrey Blaschke, Mollie Goen, Kaitlyn Hawke, Te'a Owens, and Abby Solomon.
Season storyline
In the 2022 AAC Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll, Point was picked to finish eighth and earned 104 points.
2022 AAC Women's Volleyball Preseason Poll
School (First-Place Vote) - Total Voting Points
1. Columbia International (9) - 218
2. Bryan (5) - 200
3. Reinhardt - 197
4. Bluefield - 186
5. Brenau (1) - 151
6. Union - 150
7. Milligan - 139
8. Point - 104
9. Truett McConnell - 99
10. St. Andrews - 88
11. Montreat - 83
12. Johnson - 81
13. Kentucky Christian - 41
14. Tennessee Wesleyan - 31
15. Columbia – 25
The top 10 teams in the regular season advance to the AAC Tournament, which is set for Nov. 10-12 in Kingsport, Tenn.
Second-year head coach Faith Gineris shared that the team has focused on building chemistry and growing connected as a team this preseason.
"Our chemistry has been something we decided is important because if you can't mesh off the court, you won't go to war on the court for each other," Gineris said. "We have made it a big focus on uplifting each other as well because no matter who is playing, at the end of the day, it is everyone's victory and everyone's loss."
Along with building chemistry on the court, having strong relationships off the court and focusing on growing as athletes and adults is an essential focus for this year's team.
Gineris said, "The players and I all agree that if they feel loved and supported outside of the gym, the connection in the gym will be one that is unbreakable. We have focused on growing in all aspects of life, whether physical, mental, or even spiritual."
On the roster
Gineris will have a familiar face accompanying her on the sideline this season, as recent graduate Te'a Owens joined the program as an assistant coach. Owens finished her career at Point with 799 kills, 1,104 digs, and 98 service aces. Owens was named to the second team All-Appalachian Athletic Conference team in 2020.
"I am very excited to see Te'a step into this new position as assistant coach," Gineris said. "She has shown great knowledge of the game and has a great outward perspective. I believe Te'a will help tremendously this season with all she brings to the table. She is ready to get after it this season and has helped an enormous amount before taking the position."
Gineris has 24 players on her roster this season, with 12 newcomers and 12 returners. This season's top returners include Sarah Baucham, Whitney Ward, Jordan Palmer, and Linda Schiller. Baucham is a fifth-year senior and enters the season with 685 kills and 242 total blocks. Ward led the team's defensive efforts in 2021 and has a career total of 532 digs, 172 kills, and 60 service aces.
"Whitney Ward, Sarah Baucham, Linda Schiller, and Jordan Palmer ended the season last year not satisfied with where we ended," Gineris said. "They all knew we could have done a lot better than what our record showed, so they all decided to do something about it. They were in the gym constantly over the summer trying to get as many touches or reps in as possible and focus on strengthening the skills that were once their weaknesses."
Other returners who Gineris shared have impressed her during preseason are Sameily Marquez and Daixa Andujo.
"This preseason, I have seen a lot of uplifting competitiveness," Gineris said. "My returns have come back with a hunger of not being satisfied with how we ended and played last season. My new players have come in wanting to make an impact and fighting for a spot on the court."
Amongst the newcomers who have stepped up and made an immediate impact are Keylany Matos, Ava Clay and Paige Lowe. Gineris said they have been pushing players to their fullest potential and have been exceeding her expectations. Spring transfer Mackenzie Littrell is another newcomer expected to be a positive asset to this year's team.
"Overall, with the 24 players I have on my roster, it could be anyone's position if they continue to work hard," Gineris said. "The energy and chemistry have been amazing to watch during these past two weeks. Preseason is long, but the girls find the positives within the long days and uplift each other daily. The chemistry so far has been astounding to watch, and I know this is only the beginning. I am seeing a lot more connection on the court as well, no matter who is playing next to who. Everyone looks comfortable next to anyone, no matter if it is a new player or returner. This will be an exciting season for Point volleyball if we continue to work hard and focus on our team goals."