The new members of the Pack got their first chance to play under the lights and fanfare at historic Reynolds Coliseum during the team’s inter-squad scrimmage, the Wolfpack Challenge. Freshman Nicole Glass led the team with 14 kills for the match.
The Red team defeated the White team in four straight matches by the score of 25-16, 25-13, 25-23 and 25-16. Several of the players did change teams during the match while coaches rearranged lineups to find team chemistry.
The match began with plenty of miscues and errors, as six service errors occurred in the first set. According to coach Bryan Bunn , the early mistakes occurred because of typical freshman pregame jitters that dominated play until later in the match.
“They looked good,” Bunn said. “Some of the young players did a lot of good things, but they still have a lot to learn,” Bunn said. “That’s why we do these scrimmages, so we can figure out what they need to work on in game situations. Part of it is nerves when they are out there playing under the lights. When they start relaxing a little bit, that’s when their natural play comes out.”
With the lights on this young squad, some of the players took the opportunity to prove to Bunn and the rest of the fans what they’re made of. Rachel Buckley, a freshman from Hebron, Texas, notched 10 kills for the match.
“Rachel Buckley did a nice job on the right side,” Bunn said. “Laura Blab did a good job hitting on the outside serving and was awesome first leg of defense,” Bunn said.
“I say we’re growing and getting better,” Buckley said. “We played hard, but we have to work on ball control. It’s pretty nerve wrecking, but it was a lot of fun to finally be in the gym with a jersey playing with your team.”
Alston Kerns , a local product from Apex who came into the program as the ESPN No.9 high school player in 2010 and an Under Armour All-American, proved herself on the defensive side of the ball with 19 digs in the match. Even after receiving numerous accolades coming into her collegiate career, Kerns still got a little nervous during her first game under the lights.
“It’s really nerve wrecking, but I think we overcame it pretty well,” Kerns said. “We got used to the fans and everything. I think we’ll definitely get used to it. It will get us pumped up. “
With all the new faces coming into the mix, senior Margaret Salata is ready to take on the responsibility of taking the team under her wing. She proved she could lead by example by posting 12 kills during the challenge.
“Coach Bunn has looked to all of the seniors to go into a leadership role,” Salata said. “I take it in stride. I’m trying to set a good example for the girls on and off the court; helping them, letting them know I’m here for questions, and trying to be a mentor for them in any way that I can.”
