Bridgewater, Va -The Bridgewater Eagles volleyball team has been on fire throughout the 2024 season, boasting a record of 14-4.
Their dominance on the court has been clear, despite their recent losses to Virginia Wesleyan and Washington and Lee. The Eagles are still in prime position for a strong finish, as they eye the ultimate prize, the ODAC championship.
Under the leadership of head coach Erin Harris, who is in her 14th season with the team, the Eagles have demonstrated consistency and resilience. Harris has overseen the team’s rise, guiding them through a 12-game win streak earlier in the season. During the streak, the team dropped only one set, a testament to their overwhelming dominance. The Eagles have developed a reputation not just for winning, but for doing so in a convincing fashion.
Their success can be attributed in large part to the chemistry they have built. The players are united not just in their pursuit of victory, but in their approach to handling challenges off the court.
“We are a team that accepts there will be drama, and we have hard one-on-one conversations with each other for the better of the team,” said sophomore outside hitter Claire Griffith. “We give each other a lot of support, so in hard matches, you can look to your teammates and know they have your back and they are there to pick you up.”
This mentality has helped the Eagles overcome even their toughest challenges. The Eagles recently competed in a 5-set game against Randolph-Macon, a team they have not beaten since 2013.
This time around, the Eagles started strong, taking the first set but dropped the second. Still, they refused to back down.
“That was easily a game we could have given up on, but it was a whole team effort,” Griffith noted. “It took everyone being involved to come out with a fifth-set win, and it was the first time we’ve beaten them in years.”
As the regular season winds down, and with the ODAC tournament fast approaching, the Eagles know they must stay sharp and focused.
“Before every practice, we do a ‘pre-practice drill,’ which is meant to be challenging and helps the team work on our problem-solving skills,” explained sophomore middle hitter Jillian Levin. “I think this has made a huge difference in our mental gameplay.” This focus on mental strength, combined with their physical talent, has made the Eagles an alarming contender as they prepare for the postseason.
“Our goal as a team is to win ODACs, and that’s what we are fighting for this entire season,” Levin added. The Eagles haven’t won the ODAC championship since 2000, but with their current form and determination, this could be the year that changes.
Fans looking to support the Eagles on their journey can catch them at their next home game on Saturday, Oct.12, at 11 a.m., for their homecoming matchup against Marymount.
