Women's club volleyball wins Las Vegas Open

By Gabe Taylor

If it is true that three is the magic number, then the Santa Clara women's club volleyball team has struck gold. For the first time in the team's history, the Broncos have received the third seed heading into nationals.

After pulling off a come from behind win against previous No. 1 seed Cal Poly, Santa Clara is prepared for what lies ahead at nationals.

Despite losing the first two games 19-25 and 16-25, the Broncos were able to grab the momentum and win the following three games from Cal Poly and the match, earning them the league championship.

The victory marked the fourth straight season that Santa Clara has won the league.

"This year everything's lining up," said senior Justine Schiele, who is proud of the level that the team is playing at.

Santa Clara was victorious over Cal Poly earlier in the season as well.

"Every time we play Cal Poly it's always fun. But it's competitive and both of us want to beat each other so bad," said Schiele.

Following the Broncos successful league tournament play, Santa Clara traveled to the city overflowing with casinos to take a shot at winning once more.

The result of the tournament played right into the hands of Santa Clara.

The Broncos kept their hot-streak alive by coming out on top at the Las Vegas Open. Santa Clara is currently on an eleven game winning streak.

Schiele mentioned that although the team is ranked in the top-five, they still have tasted defeat, falling four times throughout the season. However, Schiele realizes the team's ability to play well against the strongest of teams, which is part of the reason the Broncos have recorded 35 wins this season.

"We've lost games, but we always win the important ones."

Senior Kate Reilley had her doubts throughout the season and is still soaking in the team's achievements.

"I never thought our team would get this far, to be honest. But we've actually overcome a lot of obstacles and won a lot of big tournaments so next is nationals," said Reilley.

The Broncos finished up practicing Monday and Tuesday night in preparation for nationals. Schiele noted that the team brings music to every practice and that they rely on fun as a motivational tool.

"Our team just likes having fun. If we're not having fun than we're probably not playing well," said Schiele.

Being one of five seniors, Schiele will not be returning next season. Nevertheless, she is focused on the excitement of past years and the present season as a volleyball player at Santa Clara.

"No matter how we do at nationals, we had a good season. That's all I can ask for," she said.

Santa Clara opens their hunt for the national title tonight in Louisville, Ky.

When it comes to the competition they will face, the Broncos are confident that they have the ability to win it all.

"I feel like we could do it, but now we just have to do it; which is easier said than done," said Reilley.

Margo Consul contributed to this report. Contact Gabe Taylor at gtaylor@scu.edu or (408) 551-1918.