Competitive atmosphere makes Raiders work to earn playing time

QUINCY — The atmosphere appeals to Courtney Kvitle’s competitive nature.

She hopes it brings out the best in the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball players, too.

Since the Raiders first entered the gym August 9 to begin preparing for Wednesday’s season opener in Mendon against Unity, Kvitle has seen nothing but relentless effort and spirited play, which is making it difficult for the third-year head coach to pinpoint an everyday lineup.

“They are a determined group of kids this year,” Kvitle said. “They are taking it really serious.”

It ensures no one takes a day off.

“I like that there’s a lot of competition,” Kvitle said. “We have a really deep, deep bench. A lot of kids could get playing time. At no one time am I saying, ‘Here are my starters.’ There is so much competitiveness in the gym right now because so many people want to play. That’s why you play sports, because you want to play.”

It’s resulting in players pushing each other to excel.

Kvitle noted how her two liberos — juniors Faith Kientzle and Lilly Marth — are partners for ball control drills and work together in team drills, despite battling for playing time.

“They have to push each other every single day,” Kvitle said.

It’s happening at every position due to an influx of younger talent and some changes in approach. For example, junior Laela Hernandez-Jones wasn’t enamored with playing middle blocker despite having done it throughout her career. An offseason switch to the right side seems to have re-energized her.

“I saw her grow through the summer playing a different position,” Kvitle said. “Right now, she’s got that starting position on the right side. She’s attacking very aggressively. I’ve seen her demeanor change a lot. I’m excited to see her growth as the year progresses.”

She will get pushed by freshman Annie Eaton, who can play the right side or setter should senior Maggie Drew need spelled. 

“Super athletic, super fun to watch,” Kvitle said of Eaton.

Drew was called up to the varsity for the postseason in 2019 and was a mainstay on the floor in the spring.

“She’s had some good experience running the offense,” Kvitle said. 

She has a variety of weapons at her disposal. Junior middle Abbey Schreacke returns after serving as the Raiders most consistent attacker in the spring. She will be joined in the middle by senior Emma Borrowman with sophomore Emma Hoing filling a void at outside hitter.

Hoing is a transfer from Unity who plays club volleyball in St. Louis with a goal of being a top-flight collegiate player in three years.

“She loves the school, loves the family atmosphere,” Kvitle said of Hoing. “She’s fitting in really well.”

It adds another layer of depth to an already deep roster and infuses more competitive desire into the program. Coming off a spring season in which the Raiders went 12-3 but were denied postseason play due to the coronavirus pandemic, Kvitle believes there is a hunger for normalcy.

Combine that with the intensity she’s seen and success should follow.

“They are excited to be back in the gym, and they want fans to be able to come watch them,” Kvitle said. “Going through the pandemic, for all these teams, there’s just a different meaning. It’s every sport, not just volleyball. There’s a better appreciation for being able to compete.”