EXPECTATIONS HIGH FOR
BEARS VOLLEYBALL
Story by Scott Bickard | Photos by Kevin Sperandeo
F
our hours for the YankeesRed Sox, three for the
NY Football Giants, a
little over two for the Knicks,
just over an hour for Serena
Williams in the first round of
the U.S. Open, and a hair under
an hour, apparently, for the
NYIT women’s volleyball team
(18-1). Not all of the Bears’
victories have been that quick
or (relatively) easy, according
to longtime head coach Gail
Wasmus, but unfortunately for
me and my tardiness, their 3-0
match win over Franklin Pierce
(5-6) on October 12 was exactly
that.
Following suspect Google
map directions and a Saturday
morning softball game rivaling
the Yankees-Sox in length only,
I sped through NYIT’s scenic
campus, marched my way past
the “absolutely no cleats” sign
in full softball regalia, and found
a seat in the cozy home gym just
as the Bears were wrapping up
the third and final game against
the Franklin Pierce Ravens. I
pleaded for a Ravens comeback
so I could write a proper
analysis of the NYIT team. For
a few points, they offered some
hope: down 23-18, then 23-19,
24-19, 24-20, and 24-21. At
that point, I knew my chances
were nil when I heard a player
on the Bear’s sideline yell with
authority, “C’mon let’s end
this!” One hard spike later and
they did, 25-21.
At 18-1, NYIT has high
ambitions for this season.
Appearances in the Division II
NCAA tournament the last two
years mean the Bears are ready
to advance out of the east region
for the first time in Wasmus’ 28
year career.
I caught up with Wasmus
after the game. When I asked
about her background, I wasn’t
surprised to hear the well
sprung coach had been a former
volleyball and basketball player
in college (she also played
varsity
softball).
Overall,
Wasmus, who could pass for
Pat Summit by a fan new to
women’s sports, was pleased
with her team’s 3-0 win. In
particular, she was encouraged
by their start – always a good
benchmark for a highly favored
team. “We really came ready to
play, today,” she said. Later in
the match, Wasmus noted the
team played a “little down” to
the Ravens’ skill level. But, her
tone seemed to convey, a 3-0
win wasn’t the point. The point
was ensuring one of the most
talented teams she had
Women’s Volleyball
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