Ripon College Days

The Red Hawk volleyball team finished the season with a 3-1 loss to Lake Forest College in the opening round of the Midwest Conference Championship, making their overall season record 9-14.

While the team was disappointed with the early loss, Head Coach of Volleyball Kelly Witte and senior outside hitter Sara Sanford agree that the losing record isn't reflective of the overall talent of the team.

The women kicked off the season strong with two victories against the Milwaukee School of Engineering and Rockford College.

From there, the season was a hodgepodge of wins and losses, including a string of five consecutive matches in early September, and a streak of four losses to end the season in late October.

Witte says the team lost five of its six starters from last season, which was an obstacle early in the season, but is quick to note that the team played a tough schedule. "Seven of our losses came at the hands of teams that were ranked in the top 20 in the entire nation," she says. "We play tough schools to make us better for conference play. That in large part is what helped us earn that conference [championship] bid."

Co-captain Sanford calls the season "a roller coaster ride."

"It was disappointing because we could not gain any momentum or consistency," she says. "We all knew we had what it took to win but we couldn't figure out how to put it all together. We did have some great moments, though, and that's what I'll take with me."

Sanford has high hopes for next season, however. "There is so much talent, and I really think there's an awesome chance to have a lot of success," she says. "Maybe there will be fewer thinkers and more doers."

Witte concurs. "The future looks very good for the Red Hawk volleyball team."

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