Player of the Week: Ben Yoder

Ben Yoder brings solid and consistent play every time he steps onto the volleyball court in return he has received Player of the Week honors.

The Royals played two games on Friday, part of a Tri-Match with Mt. Olive and Philadelphia Biblical. Yoder showed no signs of rust despite a five-day layoff between game days. In the matinee match-up against Mt. Olive, Yoder had a strong outing with 35 assists and 10 digs, leading the Royals to a 3-0 sweep of the Trojans.

When asked about how his skills have developed from his freshmen season to now, Yoder said, "My game this year has already changed simply because of who has changed around me. We have some new hitters this year and they have the potential to make me look good. I feel like I have learned to spread the ball around more this year because we do have so many weapons."

In a primetime match against Philadelphia Biblical, Yoder excelled once again with a game high 40 assists and eight digs. EMU was able to keep the Crimson Eagles winless as the Royals posted another 3-0 victory and picked up their first win in the Western Division of the Northeastern Collegiate Volleyball Association. He also only committed a single error in both matches.

Yoder also commented that first year head coach, Steve Benson, who has a lot of coaching experience and used to play at the setter position, is able to contribute a good amount in the development of his skills.

Yoder, a sophomore from Lederach, Pa., is not worried about the lack of 'spotlight' or recognition he may receive at the setter position. "You can't let it bother you. I get plenty of recognition from my teammates because they understand how difficult the position is," said Yoder. He added that volleyball cannot be won by one player; that is why he fills his role because it helps the team win.

"Our team this year has some incredible potential and we expect a lot from each other," said Yoder. He is excited about the amount of talent this team has but knows that victories will not come unless hard work is put in every day.

Yoder said that he is looking forward to the NECVA tournament because of the opportunity for EMU to surprise some people. That will only happen, he said, "through the work we put in now and how badly we want it."