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Highlands Today

Webber Volleyball Rises To New Levels

Courtesy photo

Webber sophomore Ashley Naughton elevates for a kill in a match earlier this season.

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Special to the Highlands Today

Published: October 9, 2007

BABSON PARK – Not even a tough weekend can damper the spirits of the Webber International volleyball team.

Despite dropping two matches –– one a conference meeting with Embry-Riddle –– the Warriors are riding an unprecedented wave of success of late, peaking with individual honors and the team's first national ranking under coach Tim Edfors.

"It's been pretty awesome up until this weekend," said Edfors, whose team was ranked No. 21 in the NAIA's top 25 poll for the first time ever after a 15-1 start. "The girls are really getting along and coming together –– 'meshing' is a good way to put it."

Whatever the description, the Warriors hope to keep their top seed in the Florida Sun Conference as the second half of the season gets under way with two crucial league matches this week at St. Thomas (Friday at 7p.m.) and Florida Memorial (Saturday at noon).

After that, the Warriors play six matches in four days, including four at the Savannah School of Art and Design's annual tournament.

"SCAD's been the top team in conference the past few years," Edfors said, noting the Warriors handed SCAD its first league loss in four seasons on Sept. 29. "That was the big highlight of the season so far, and it really motivated the girls."

This past weekend's hiccup, however, might have been an even better motivator for team, said Edfors, a former coach at South Florida Community College.

"It should make them realilze that they can't just go in and expect to beat teams just by showing up," he said. "We got a little cocky, but losing isn't a horrible thing, it should help them realize that we have to work hard and play with heart."

In addition to the team honors, two individual players –– Danelle Wagner and Allison Hiett –– were heralded as Conference and Region XIV honorees last week.

The Warriors return to action on Friday at St. Thomas. They return home to host St. Francis (Ill.) on Oct. 15.

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