Shayne Edwards, Campus Carrier Staff Writer

The Berry College volleyball team has had an extremely successful season this fall. The team finished the season as the SAA conference leader. 

The Vikings concluded their regular season 14-0 in conference play. They were also ranked 24th in the country by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). Since the team won the conference during the regular season, the Vikings will host the 2017 SAA conference volleyball tournament. The team has a lot of factors that have contributed to their success, but the main component has been the team’s relationship. 

“The team chemistry is amazing,” senior Elizabeth Ragland said. “When the team is so close, it is easy to focus on the success and goals of the team.” 

The Vikings’ team chemistry has led the team to have a very successful season, and they are not the only ones who have noticed the great relationships of the players. The coaches know that the players are playing for more than just wins. 

“The players are playing for something more, they are playing for each other,” assistant coach Katie O’Rourke said. “The players are competing not only to have fun, but to reach their common goal.” 

Although the Berry volleyball team has had a standout season, they are not letting the success go to their heads. The team is not looking at the rankings. They are focused on the little things. The Vikings are continuing to work hard and not take any point or game for granted. 

“It is an honor to be ranked 24th in the country, but we are not really focused on the ranking. We are going to continue working hard and practice as if we were ranked last. Oglethorpe is our last guaranteed game and we are going to take it one point at a time” Ragland said. 

The Berry volleyball team is determined to continue to find success. 

“Berry volleyball is not going to back down,” O’Rourke said. “The team is not done yet, and they still have a lot that they are wanting to prove.” 

The Vikings will take on the Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels in the SAA quarterfinals Friday at 1 p.m. in the Cage Center gym.