Monday, September 16, 2013

PORTLAND, Ore. – After dropping its first match of the week in three straight sets on Friday, Northwest Nazarene’s volleyball team responded with three consecutive 3-0 victories in the second annual Route 92 Invitational to earn Great Northwest Athletic Conference Team of the Week honors.

The Crusaders were picked to finish seventh in the GNAC preseason coaches poll, but the current three-match winning streak suggests a fresh winning mentality has been instilled into the players’ minds.

Enter first-year coach Doug English.

“The NNU girls were ready for a change and they have worked hard and willingly adapted this season,” the former University of Delaware assistant commented on the positive energy and work ethic displayed by his team.

English also spent time as an assistant at George Washington and Boise State, where his performance as the recruiting coordinator garnered PrepVolleyball.com top recruiting class honorable mention recognition.

“We are looking to finish in the top half of the GNAC, but mostly I want to get us more comfortable both offensively and defensively so we can build off of this season,” English said regarding his goals for the season.

So far, English has only had reason to smile as NNU is beginning to fully realize its potential to be a top-tier squad. Perhaps the highlight of last week’s triumph was the Crusaders’ victory over Cal State L.A. on Saturday, capped with a 31-29 dramatic finish in the final set.

“To end with a sweep of Cal State L.A. keeps everyone believing in what we are doing and ready to get back to work on Monday,” said English when asked how his team’s performance bolstered morale and confidence.

Offensively, it was Andrea Terpstra (MB, 6-4, R-Jr., Ripon, CA – San Diego State) who led the way with 50 kills and a .417 percentage and earned GNAC Offensive Player of the Week honors for her effort.

“Andrea dominated for us,” said English, adding, “any time we needed a big kill our setters were able to get her the ball and she finished.”

Andrea’s sister, Michelle Terpstra (S, 5-9, Jr., Ripon, CA – Ripon Christian) provided 127 sets over the four-match span and added  four service aces.

“Michelle was unbelievable against Cal State L.A., and she made the right choices at the right times to put our hitters in great situations,” English commented.

NNU will ride the momentum of its current winning streak into conference play this weekend, with road matches against Saint Martin’s and Western Oregon.

“The girls have really made my job easy and I was blessed to come to a team with good leadership and a strong desire to improve,” English said regarding the character of his squad. “There had to be a great situation in order for me to leave UD, and so far the transition has been excellent.”