The Bison volleyball team is excited to get the 2021 season underway. The team is coming off an overall record of 14-14 and conference record of 3-13 from the 2019 season. Taking all safety precautions into measure, the team has been back as a whole in Davis Gym for practices the past few weeks.

This 2021 season is quite different than any before due to COVID-19. “Our mentality is pretty similar to what it is like in every fall. We come into the gym every day and work hard during practice, the only difference is Davis gym isn’t quite as hot as the summer preseason we are used to. We are focused on keeping the team and each other safe while also competing every day in practice in future matches,” Anna Carroll ’21 said.

As a senior, Caroll’s final semester is filled with both excitement and nerves. “I am really excited to get the opportunity to compete again after losing our fall season and get to play with this team one last time before leaving Bucknell. It is really special to get to play with a group of girls that are so determined, driven and focused every day,” Carroll said.

As several key players graduated last spring, underclassman will be stepping up to fill the role for the Bison. Lisa Zoch ’23 finished last season tied for fourth on the team with 192 kills. Kelsey O’Loughlin ’23 had a fantastic freshman campaign, finishing with a team high 968 assists and was named Patriot League Rookie of the Week six times.

The Bison will also have a new coach this season, former Princeton assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Tyler Hagstrom. Hagstrom had immense success at Princeton posting a 73-27 record that includes three conference titles. He will look to bring that success to the Orange and Blue this season.

The team is taking on a tough schedule within conference play this season, aiming to win the Patriot League tournament as well as establishing some great momentum for a full schedule in the fall of 2021. The Bison’s first challenge will come during their season opener in Baltimore, Md. on Feb. 26 versus the Loyola Greyhounds at 6 p.m.