Lady Royals volleyball squad ready for success

When a volleyball enthusiast talks about EMU, generally the men’s squad comes to the mind first.

That is a travesty.

The Lady Royal netters bring their own scrappy brand of the game to the court, and the upcoming season looks to be no different as head coach Ruth- Ann Wideman, now in her eighth season as skipper, has recruited solid new players and retains talented upperclassmen, a combination that screams success.

"Technically this is a rebuilding year for us, but we are in an interesting position," Coach Ru said of her squad. "We have a team that can compete with the best in the ODAC and beyond."

Returning as team captains are Becky Langstrat and Steph Miller. Langstrat is a middle front hitter and blocker, a brick wall for frustrated opposing hitters. Miller, an opposite hitter, absolutely bludgeons the ball on serve; she holds the ODAC record with 16 aces in a match.

Coach Ru and her ladies start their quest to supplant perennial ODAC favorite Washington and Lee Wednesday at Shenandoah, then travel to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania for a 16-team tournament this weekend.

"We hope to stay injury free and win as many games as possible," Wideman said.

"The girls are gelling well, and we look forward to a good season."