Vikings expect to bounce back and re-claim conference title this season.

By Brandon Park

ROME, Ga.– The Vikings have adopted “Battle Back” as their theme for the 2015 season. They hope to bounce back from something of a let down in 2014, when they went 16-14, to re-claim the conference title.

 For two of the last three seasons, the Vikings dominated the Southern Athletic Association, and over the last three campaigns they’ve logged a combined 35-7 conference record.

From left, Lauren Schmitz, Mika Robinson, Emily Stromberg and Katie O’Rourke taking a break in Rhode Island after finishing a 4-0 road trip.   Courtesy Lauren Schmitz

The Vikings won consecutive SAA Conference titles in 2012 and 2013, but fell just short in 2014.

Returning the core of their talent with eight players, three of them seniors, and two All-Americans—outside hitter Emily Stromberg and middle blocker Katie O’Rourke – the team is poised to re-establish pre-eminence. They play their first home match Tuesday night against Emory University.

 Not only did Berry return half its team, but head coach Mika Robinson brought in eight newcomers to help this Vikings team get back on track. The task is to get all 16 on the same page.

 “The whole ‘Battle Back’ mentality is no matter whether we’re up 20-5 or down 5-20,” said Robinson, who is entering her eighth season. “We want to have a battle mentality, and we want to have the mentality that we can still win. There is no question in my mind that this team is going to battle to be as good as they can possibly be.”

Early success

So far, so good: The Vikings have sprinted out to a 6-0 start this season and have dropped only 3 sets so far. Emory, however, will prove a significant early-season test.

“We want to focus on the process,” Robinson said. “We really aren’t even focused on the end goal or the end results, because we know if we focus on the process and battling every day that in the moment, those things will take care of themselves.”

 Senior Katie O’Rourke said she could already see a change in how the team handles its composure by focusing on the next point instead of worrying about the last.

 “Everyone has bought into our program and what we want to accomplish this year,” said senior setter Lauren Schmitz. “We want to prove to ourselves that we can be great.”

 Stromberg, who already this season became the second Viking all-time to register 1,000 kills, 1,000 digs and 1,000 points, agreed with Schmitz, saying external forces and factors aren’t what motivates this team.

 “Our biggest motivator comes from internal motivation,” said Stromberg, a senior from Lexington, Ky. 

Robinson said the Vikings expect more big games from O’Rourke and Stromberg. O’Rourke was named SAA first team all-conference and also All-American honorable mention in notching 280 kills and a hitting percentage of .309. She also led the team with 98 blocks.

Stromberg was named SAA second team all-conference after recording 312 kills, 35 service aces, 403 digs and 36 blocks.

 Talented newcomer

Robinson said she also is excited by the addition of 5-foot-10 Micayla Bedoian, a first-year right side hitter from Saluda, N.C.

 “Micayla has the potential to be a really dominant right side,” Robinson said.

 A really good blocker, Bedoian likely will play in six rotations per match, Robinson said. Bedoian is expected to contribute by helping the Vikings be a better blocking team and helping to create a more dynamic offense.

 The Vikings earned early season recognition by being ranked No. 22 in the nation. O’Rourke said she is not impressed.

 “I think it’s cool, but it’s just a number. We don’t need to focus on that,” she said.