The University of Mount Olive men’s volleyball team opens its season Thursday at Tusculum University in Greeneville, Tennessee. The Trojans play nine of their first 10 matches on the road. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
Take what they give you.
That’s how newly-minted University of Mount Olive men’s volleyball coach Omar Sanchez reacted when he viewed the 2023 schedule.
The Trojans play nine of their first 10 contests on the road, including Thursday’s opener at Tusculum University. The lone home contest during that stretch is a Jan. 20 date with Merrimack College.
Also, there are back-to-back road outings in mid-February at in-state Conference Carolinas rival Belmont Abbey and reigning league champ North Greenville U.
“Not ideal,” Sanchez said. “I think it’s something, especially at the beginning of the season, that can really help temper you … test you in environments where you know they’re going to be ‘hostile.’ They might hear some comments that get their blood boiling a little bit.
“I’ve told the guys to not get caught up in that and focus on what you can control [in the game]. If we can ultimately get a win on the road, there’s nothing bigger than that.”
UMO finished 6-4 on the road last winter.
Senior middle blocker Pedro Gonzalez and senior libero Trevor Tresser haven’t forgotten last year’s heart-breaking loss to NGU in the conference tournament final. NGU hoisted the trophy and earned its first-ever trip to the NCAA tournament.
“They’re hungry,” Sanchez said.
Armed with little playing experience in 2022, Gonzalez and Tresser help comprise a new lineup this season after all six starters graduated.
Freshman setter Jackson Lahey emerged as the team’s floor general during the fall. Sanchez liked his work ethic, execution and the fact he earned the confidence and respect of his teammates.
The Trojans’ opposite and right-side hitters flourished last season.
Their departures opened the door for 6-foot-6 junior Justin Gregory, who logged 107 kills and 88 digs in a reserve role. Transfers Hayden Frear and Tate Sandvig nailed down the outside hitting positions.
“Between these three guys, they all play the game at a very high level,” Sanchez said. “The biggest thing is just feeling each other out, getting comfortable with one another, trying to build that rapport on the floor because that’s how we’re going to be tested.”
Sanchez said a trio of tall, lanky and talented middle hitters brought different aspects to the team in preseason. Gonzalez, returning sophomore Holden Maryott and newcomer Constantinos Iacovou are expected to provide firepower at that position.
Tresser is the key defensive specialist.
“With these new roles and responsibilities these guys are going to have this year, I think it’s just being ready for it,” Sanchez said.
And there is a bigger picture.
Since it’s inaugural season in 2006, the UMO program set the standard among its conference peers. The Trojans claimed league tournament crowns in 2010 and 2011, and have reached either the semifinals or championship round on 10 occasions.
Two boxes remain on the program’s stellar resume.
The Trojans want that elusive tournament title and their first-ever NCAA tournament berth.
“It’s just more fuel to our fire,” Sanchez said. “They’re ultimately thinking the bigger picture. We want the newer guys to understand that we’re trying to accomplish something this year. [Then again] every year is the year.”
The journey begins Thursday.
