The Online Reflector

The University of Indianapolis volleyball team is ranked at No. 21 with a starting lineup that includes three freshmen.

Freshman setter Meghan Binkerd, middle hitter Julia Watkins and defensive specialist Courtney Roach have all entered into important roles for the Greyhounds.

Binkerd is ranked third in the conference for assists, averaging 10.81 assists per games. Watkins is ranked third in conference in blocks and Roach leads the Greyhounds in aces.

“I always tell my players that age is really just a number,” said Head Coach Jody Rogers.

Rogers said she knew that her setter was going to be a freshman, and she confidently recruited two setters who would handle the pressure of such a position.

According to Rogers, Binkerd earned the starting position and has handled it with maturity, while freshman Camille Cherry is ready to play at any moment that Rogers may need her.

However, Watkins said that she was not so sure of her position at the start of the season.

Early in the season, Watkins started in the game against No. 19 ranked Lewis University. Watkins recorded five kills and five assisted blocks during the game. Since that time, she has continued to improve.

“Julia Watkins really surprised me,” Rogers said. “I’m psyched to see her grow as an athlete in the next three years.”

Roach has done a great job passing and playing defense from the back row, Rogers said.

Roach leads the team with 17 aces. She said the freshmen have worked hard to prove that they are ready to play in college, and the team continues to work hard to unite as a whole.

“In high school, I was trying to prove to myself and everyone else that I could go and play at the next level,” Roach said. “Now I just play volleyball like I have been for years and do my best every day to not let anyone down.”

The maturity level, unselfish play and ability to handle pressure during a game has boosted confidence amongst  the team leading into the tournament, according to Rogers.

“My kids are used to teams that challenge them,” Rogers said.

UIndy had a regular season schedule that challenged the team as a whole.

The competition included nine nationally ranked teams and a strong conference. Rogers had faith in her young team and wanted them to view tournament games as just another game.

Starting freshmen in these roles is an unprecedented move by Rogers in her 15 years at UIndy.

But according to Roach, starting freshmen hasn’t caused much adversity.

Instead, it has affected the way the team has come together, as upperclassmen have had to be patient while the freshmen adjust, said Roach.

According to Roach, the upperclassmen have set good examples of how to act and play.

Junior outside hitter Kristina Kerrigan, in particular, has had an impact on Roach. With her competitive attitude, work ethic and leadership on and off the court, Kerrigan has set an example for all her teammates, said Roach.

“We all have a great deal of confidence in each other, and it helps a lot,” Roach said.

While Rogers admits that it has been stressful having players without much experience on the court, she believes her players have the ability to do the things they need to do.

“The good thing about freshmen is they become sophomores,” Rogers said.

Grateful to have recruited talented players, Rogers looks forward to the future of the Greyhound volleyball program.