Saints volleyball start play with Peach Belt target on their backs

By Jaycob Ammerman | gargoyle@flagler.edu
Photo by Dylan Busse

The Flagler Saints volleyball will start the season as most teams’ primary target.

Last season, the Saints went on an improbable run to the NCAA Division II National Tournament Elite Eight, only to fall short to the eventual National Champion Coyotes of California State San Bernardino College.

Since joining the Peach Belt Conference three years ago, the Saints have posted a staggering 39-3 record and a streak of three consecutive regular season and post season conference titles.

That was all under Coach Taylor Mott, who left Flagler after the finish of the season, and newly hired Coach Brian Heffernan will seek to build on her success. He wants to continue that legacy by embracing several team core covenants: crave constant improvement, commit to touch greatness, defeat complacency and unity first.

“We see the core covenants as the important action items that shape our culture and guide us on our journey,” Heffernan said.

He feels that in order for his team to reach greatness this season, they will have to expect being targeted as a top team in the Peach Belt.

The Saints feel that they have the talent to make another post-season run, but they understand that hard work must be put in and that they cannot get hung up on prior achievements.

“We need to eliminate the mindset that we are defending a championship by putting the 2011 Peach Belt championship rings away, attacking our 2012 goals,” Heffernan said.

The Saints will be led by seniors Dianna Craine, Casey Gnann and Crystal Niederriter, who were voted preseason All-Peach Belt selections.

Heffernan feels that his group of seniors will all serve as leaders this season and leave a lasting impact on the program.

“They are consistent and their work ethic is second to none,” Heffernan said.

The Saints will start their regular season on Sept. 7 when they face Palm Beach Atlantic University in Aiken, South Carolina.