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Season HighlightsThe 2002 seasons started off with a couple of lofty expectations and goals. Learn our system, train to be technically sound, become better volleyball players by understanding the game more, prepare and compete hardest in practice so game times are actually easier. Oh, and go through the Southern Division undefeated and win the NWAACC title for the third consecutive year. Many other teams share that final goal. Mt. Hood Volleyball A lot of things have to fall in place for a team to win a championship. There's definitely hard work involved. Sometimes luck is a factor. In 2002 the team were able to create our destiny. Here's the story of that Mt. Hood 2002 volleyball season. With a solid core of 8 returners and 4 freshman, first year coach Lena Chan was entrusted with the difficult task of converting the sophomores (who had previously already been successful with winning the 2001 NWAACC) and educating the incoming class with her philosophies and thoughts on how volleyball should be played. Only 10 players would actually suit up and play this season. When all was said and done, 7 out of the 10 players would have received at some point in their career All NWAACC 1st and 2nd Team honors. The 2002 team would be of the most decorated in Mt. Hood history. The team of 12 met in late August 2002 to accomplish these goals through action. Practices started out with basic skills and emphasized technique and movement. With the high level of athleticism, some of the toughest competition of the season was seen opposite the net in practice. The task was up to Mt. Hood players to sharpen each other to higher levels of play. An early preseason match against Division 2 power Concordia University showed the team's potential. After only 3 practices, the loss was only by a combined 5 points. Other preseason play involved a trip to Arizona against some of the better JC's in the nation. A lackluster 6-3 start made the girls double their efforts in the practice gym. Season play began with early challenges by Clackamas and Chemeketa – teams that would join Mt. Hood in representing the Southern Division in the NWAACC Tournament. Mt. Hood also attended 2 crossover tournaments and the prestigious Mt. Hood Halloween Classic. By winning two tournaments and taking 2nd in the other, and having multiple players honored with All Tournament team selection, confidence was high, yet practices were still intense and intent on two more goals. The girls adhered to game plans for each school and fulfilled the first of their main goals. To win the South with an undefeated record. The 2002 volleyball team ended their regular season by winning all 12 matches for a perfect record with only 4 games lost in all the winning efforts. The season culminateed with the top four teams in each region invited to the NWAACC Championship – a double elimination tournament in Spokane. Mt. Hood did not lose a match and won their third title in as many years. Lauren Salsgiver was awarded 2nd team All NWAACC, Alyssa Perry and Kristin Purscelley were awarded 1st team All NWAACC, and Ali Salsgiver was awarded MVP in addition to her 1st team All NWAACC. Coach Chan was the NWAACC Coach of the Tournament and the eight sophomores left the program knowing nothing but success. The second goal of the team was fulfilled and the 2002 season was in the books. Mt. Hood Volleyball |
