Growing determination

Story by Jeff Mazenic and Don Meckley

l\s the Lady Flames of the Liberty Baptist College volleyball team strive toward offering a first-classprogram,they must be constantly aware of their strengths and weaknesses,their past endurances and future obstacles They must have enough oversight to provide a general confidence, yet a precise focus on the present toallow for respect towards the opponent

The Liberty Baptist College 1982 volleyball schedule presented a strong challenge to the entire Lady Flames squad. For the first time, Coach Beth Dalton and her squad competed at the NCAA Division II level. In addition, the team matched up against Division I schools that had powerhouse volleyball teams, including the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech. The challenge was indeed met with undaunted effort.Success was claimed as the overall result,the record of 17 wins and 27 losses showing a fruitful season of learning and development.

Coach Dalton's preseason goals were to utilize team quickness, to improve team passing, and develop experience along with the mental toughness needed to compete in tournament play.

Dalton began training her squad early by taking them to Virginia Beach for conditioning. The sandy beaches led up to the season schedule of practices and games once the semester started.

There were basically three ingredients which contributed to the foundational structureofthe '82season.Inthe words of the team members, "Itwas the consistently strict practices, the workouts, and an athletically-oriented diet that helped to make our team a success." In addition,a spiritualatmosphere was emphasized with the incorporation of team devotions,prayer,and verse memorization

The Lady Flames used a quick multiple attack up front and relied on their defensive prowess on the back row

"These ladies have a strong serving team We should be able to get three or four service aces off the serve every game," said Coach Dalton.

The team's hardest game of the season was against Virginia Tech.

"Our goal now is todevelop and mature toward tournament toughness," said Coach Dalton.

And that they did The team proceeded tothe Cantonsville tournament It was this tourney that proved tobe the most helpful challenge ofthe season as faras providing experience to enhance the abilities of the players staff phoro/David Helt

Sophomore Patti Lunn sends it into the ranks of Virginia Tech defenders, Lunn, theteam'smostvaluable player, was known for her drive, overall consistency.

"It allowed theteam toplay together in a unified effort,to learn to trust and confide ineach other,andto develop some ability against first-rate teams," said Coach Dalton

Lack of depth andheight hurt the Lady Flames at times this season and Coach Dalton plans to remedy the problem through strong recruiting as wellas relying on returners who include most of this year's squad.

"Ifthere was one request to bemade by our ladies that would enhance next year's season,it would be aplea tothose who can come out and supply a visible form ofsupport through physical attendance," said Coach Dalton Asthe saying goes, "In the presence of many, there is amultiplicity of determination."

The Liberty Baptist College soccer team found success mixed with inconsistency and frustration during the fall of 1982.

Although itcompiled a 7-9-6 record, the team managed tocome up with some high points and almost picked off the biggest prize of the year

Before the season began, Head Coach BillBell and the team knew they would be weak offensively and indeed they were pes-