Holy Family University Women's Volleyball Team

-By Brian Morlock

In its first year of University status, Holy Family has made several changes on campus. One of the changes is the addition of Women's Volleyball. It's a new sport that could add new flavor to the University. The school hired Joanna Pennell to lead the Lady Tigers and try to build up the sport of volleyball. Coach Pennell also has the responsibility of running the new and improved fitness center. She had coached volleyball since she was 18, but this is her first year at a collegiate level. When asked about the improved fitness center, Pennell said, "It's a major plus for the team. It will attract the high school students coming out." Surely, the fitness center should help all the teams progress faster.

The Women's Volleyball team is already four games into their season. Although the team is 0-4, Coach Pennell is proud of her girls. In their first home game against Goldey Beacom, the Lady Tigers started off on a roll winning the first set. After losing the next two, the Lady Tigers put up a good fight, but came up a little short. They lost their final set 30-28. The final score was Goldey Beacom winning 3 sets to one. Although the team lost, they showed a lot of heart. Joanna said, "The girls did really well. I was proud of them."

Having the support of the student body is important for any sport. When asked whether or not there are any plans for publicity stunts, Coach Pennell said, "I would like to have a media day to get the students to come out to the games." Since volleyball is a new sport to the University, it may take some time to attract the attention of the student body.

Before each season starts, coaches usually have goals for their team to accomplish. When asked about what goals she has for her team, Coach Pennell said, "I will not have a win or loss goal. Improvement from the beginning to the end of the season is what I am worried about." The sport of Women's Volleyball looks to have an exciting future ahead of them with Joanna Pennell leading them. Although the road may start off rocky, each game the team plays together, the better they will get.

Go out and watch the Women's Volleyball team play. The team needs all the support possible to get this sport up and rolling at the University. When stopping in the fitness center, make sure you wish Coach Pennell the best of luck.