By Andrew Coen
Two years removed from Hofstra volleyball’s six NCAA Tournament appearance and first post-season win over Cornell, the Pride entered 2008 with a new head coach in Kristina Hernandez, who arrived after four years guiding the Loyola Maryland) College program. With a young team last year the Pride still managed to go 19-12 and reach the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Championship for the third time in five years.
The Pride (6-8) has taken on a tough schedule so far in 2008 including losses to then 7th ranked USC and #21 San Diego and impressive wins over Boston College and St. John’s. Hofstra headed south for two key conference match-ups against George Mason and James Madison this past weekend after press time.
“I think we are one of the stronger teams in the northeast,” said Coach Hernandez.
The Pride are lead by senior outside hitter and San Diego native Lauren Engle, a second team All-CAA selection last year, who had a team-high 467 kills and added 259 digs and 62 blocks. Another key outside hitter for the Pride is junior Harmonie Calinda, a Huntington native who led the team with 46 service aces last year.
Under Coach Hernandez’s guidance the Pride has instituted a new offense which places more emphasis on speed and winning quick points. “We definitely play a faster tempo game,” said Hernandez. “We’re trying to change our game a little to compete on a quicker level.”
A reason for the onslaught of home games coming up is the 47-day period from Aug. 31-Oct. 16 when the Pride’s home facility, the Hofstra Physical Fitness Center, could not be used due to the preparations needed for the Oct. 15 presidential debate at the adjourning Mack Sports Complex.
The one “home” match in that stretch was on Saturday Sept. 27 against conference foe Northeastern at Adelphi University in nearby Garden City, with the Pride falling in five sets.
The Pride will be challenged having such a long span away from playing at home, but will have the advantage of having eight of their final eight matches at the Physical Fitness Center, a facility Hofstra has boasted a .779% winning percentage the last 14 seasons. Hofstra is one of the few teams to have its own home court not shared with other sports teams. “It’s a great place to play at,” said Hernandez of the Pride's home court.
The Pride’s first home match after the 47-day span on the road will be on Oct. 17 against UNC-Wilmington at 7 p.m. followed by a Sunday matinees on Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. versus Georgia State. After a non-conference home match against Robert Morris on Oct 24 at 4 p.m., the Pride will host two CAA opponents the following weekend starting on Halloween vs. James Madison at 7 p.m. and Nov. 2 with a 1 p.m. first serve against George Mason. The Pride’s final two matches will be on Friday Nov. 14 against Virginia Commonwealth at 7 p.m. and Nov. 15 with a 7 p.m. clash against William & Mary.
If Hofstra were to finish in first place in the CAA standings the Pride would get to host the conference tournament from
Nov. 21-23.
Single game tickets for Hofstra volleyball are $6 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under and senior citizens. For further information on the Hofstra’s 2008 volleyball schedule call 516-HOF-TIXX (516-463-8499) or log onto www.hofstra.edu/athletics.
