Two wins, 30 losses.
0-14 in conference play.
To say the 2012 season, for then rookie head coach Susan Clements and the Wright State volleyball team, was a struggle would be stating the obvious.
Clements, who guided Niagara to three-consecutive seasons of 23 or more wins before arriving in Fairborn, explained that last season was a necessary exercise in patience, as well as frustration.
“It was difficult, as a coach, when you go from getting 20 wins on a consistent basis to not getting many wins,” Clements said. “We knew it was just about laying a foundation of commitment, hard work and buying into what the staff wanted to get done. I think, for the most part, we may not have done that with wins, but as far as the focus from the girls, we saw a change.”
Much has changed for WSU heading into 2013. Six new faces have joined the team, who will wear new, all-black jerseys with green numbers to match the fresh black paint on the floor of McLin Gym.
Clements said the new-look Raiders will be a different team when they take the court.
“I think we’ve turned the page and it’s a whole new chapter,” Clements said. “When we were in the recruiting process for the student athletes, we were very upfront and honest. They (the athletes) came in knowing our expectations and the situation. The returning players are buying into to what we are doing as well.”
For help, Clements will likely lean on her returning players, including senior outside hitter Heidi Splinter and sophomore libero Katie Glassmeyer.
Splinter ranked fourth in the Horizon League in double-doubles and recorded at least 15 kills and 15 digs six times, which kept WSU competitive in several matches. Glassmeyer finished fifth overall in digs and second among all Horizon League freshmen.
“I want to see the program do well and I’m always trying to be vocal and lead the girls in the right direction,” said Splinter, who is one of three captains on the team. “It was a rebuilding year and we knew we were going to face some obstacles. But we always came in the gym every day and focused on getting better.”
One problem for the Raiders last year was depth-something Clements believes her team has more of this year thanks to a crop of new players.
“We don’t have to hold our breath and hope that nobody gets injured,” Clements said.
Freshman middle blocker Haley Garr, one of the Raiders’ five recruits for 2013 and a First-Team All-State selection out of Silver Creek High School in Indiana, said she is eager to contribute immediately.
“She (Clements) told me she wanted to turn this program around and she wanted me to be a part of it,” Garr said. “To be honest, I was really excited. She has turned programs around before and I think she can do that here.”
WSU’s first chance at redemption starts on Friday at the WCU Invitational in Cullowhee, NC.
