Lady Rams volleyball still confident following slow start, key injuries

The Winston-Salem State Women's volleyball team has started the season struggling, losing the first 14 games as of Sept. 23.

The women have been playing  some tough opponents. This includes their opener against UNC-Pembroke and a very competitive game on the road against CIAA rival Fayetteville State. In their Sept. 10 game against FSU, the Lady Rams lost in five sets but had a season high 40 kills.

Outside hitter Katelyn Sigala, a junior from Douglas, Wyo., is leading the team in kills, averaging 1.32 per game. 

Senior De-Ann Smith from Barbados is right behind Sigala averaging 1.29 per game. 

Smith also leads the Lady Rams in blocks per game. 

Head Coach Edric Poitier said his team isn't playing badly, but they could execute a lot better. 

Coming into this new season, Poitier predicted one of the biggest challenges for the Lady Rams would be their execution.

Poitier said he still has a lot of confidence and believes that if Lady Rams continue to work hard and execute well a successful season will result.

"Anything less than a championship will be a disappointment," Poitier said. 

The Lady Rams have six upperclassmen on their roster.

"This team has been together for a while," Poitier said.

"The seniors realize this might be their last time to be able to play the sport." 

Some of the key player's include seniors Smith, preseason All-CIAA Francesca Edgerton, Alexandria Brown and Sigala. 

Sophomore Brittany Rich from Randleman, S.C., said she is still also very confident in the team despite their losses. 

Rich said that the women  have been working hard in practice and being more vocal team on the court. 

Rich will not be able to contribute at least physically, as she is out for the season after tearing her ACL and meniscus in practice.