Saint Mary's has had a roller-coaster season so far, winning its season opener and then dropping its next five matches. After going 2-2 in the Hiram Ohio Tournament last weekend, the Belles seem to have finally settled into a groove.
Saint Mary's has won four of its last five, largely due to better teamwork and the leadership of its more experienced players.
One of the key catalysts in the team's transformation has been senior setter Amanda David, who transferred to Saint Mary's her sophomore year.
David was not a setter before she arrived at Saint Mary's, but has seamlessly grown into the role, averaging 9.72 setting assists a game. She also leads the team in service aces with 15 in the first 11 matches. She has contributed on defense, with an average of .79 kills and 1.87 digs a game.
"She has done an outstanding job adapting to the setting role," Schroeder-Biek said. "She transferred in as a libero. I love setters that are defensive minded. She has the brain of a setter - she knows the game, she knows her hitters and also, knows when she needs to be an offensive threat herself."
But David said she was unsure not only about growing into a new position but also about continuing to play the sport at all. Her first days as a Belle showed her she would fit in on the team, she said.
"Once I visited campus and met Julie [Schroeder-Biek] for the first time I knew immediately that Saint Mary's is where I belonged," David said. "I could not picture myself anywhere else."
Schroeder-Biek is also glad David chose to become a Belle.
"Amanda is an amazing leader," the coach said. "She is a strong competitor, and the players really feed off of her drive."
David said she has confidence in her team's blend of experience and youth.
"Some of the younger players from last year are really stepping up, and the first years bring a unique competitive edge to the court," David said.
In its last match, a win over Alma, Schroeder-Biek said her team started to click.
"I really liked our fight," Schroeder-Biek said. "I felt that the team really bonded together with their drive to win."
