From the Williams Baptist College Sports Information Department

Volleyball Looks to Build on Recent Success

WALNUT RIDGE --The Williams Baptist College volleyball team has enjoyed success over the last four years, with a combined record of 95 wins and 57 losses. 

The coaches and players believe this year will be another step up for the program.  Coach Eric Newell lead the team to two wins on opening weekend versus Mid-Continent University. 

The team has been working hard the past three weeks, practicing three times a day.

“This year’s volleyball team, despite some setbacks, has excelled in nearly all areas of the pre-season,” Newell said. 

The coaching staff believes the pre-season has showed promise - the players have gotten better each week.

Senior outside hitter and leader Caitlin Wakefield described the pre-season.

“Everyone has been sore, but we are meshing as a team,” Wakefield said. “It has been a fun experience getting to know the new faces and reunite with the returners.”

Wakefield is one of three seniors that Newell believes are proven leaders and great players.  The other two are middle blocker Haley Motley and libero Kelsey Davault. 

Motley led the Eagles in nearly all offensive categories as a junior, while Davault led the Eagles in digs and aces.

“Caitlin leads by example on and off the court,” Newell said of Wakefield.  “She gives 100 percent, 100 percent of the time.”  That work ethic inspires the younger players to work just as hard as her. 

Motley was described as being the leader who makes everyone feel welcome.

“Haley never meets a stranger, and she does a good job of making new players feel welcome and being a vocal leader on the court,” Newell stated.

Newell believes that Davault is taking advantage of her last season of volleyball.  

“It is like she understands this is her last opportunity to play volleyball,” Newell said, “and she is going to take advantage of it.”

Newell is hopeful that the team’s strengths will be defensive and serve-receive.  He has added a student-assistant in Chelsey Politte - a defensive specialist that played for the Eagles each of the last two seasons.

Joe Baldwin will also be returning as assistant coach for the Lady Eagles.

“I am excited. I believe we have a good squad with unlimited potential,” Baldwin noted. “If we work hard, we will achieve our goals.”

WBC’s first home volleyball game will be September 9 at 4:30 p.m., where they will be competing in a double header against Central Baptist College.

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Williams Baptist College is a four-year, Christian liberal arts college located in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. DHS Alums Tyler Tanner, a member of the baseball team, and Ryan Windham, a member of the basketball team, are both students at the school.