By: Austin Ulmer, Reporter
OMAHA, Neb. – Success is a feeling the Omaha volleyball team has gotten used to the last two seasons, but there remains one big goal, a Summit League title, which comes with an NCAA Tournament birth.
Omaha currently sits second in the conference with a 17-8 overall record and 12-3 in conference play. They have won 12 of their last 13 games and went on an eight-game winning streak earlier in the season.
Matt Buttermore, Head Volleyball Coach, said that it wasn’t so much about the win streak, but more about the amount of road games the team faced on that streak. Something, he said the team never complained about, but easily could have.
“That really can from them handling the travel well, you know, buying into what we are trying to do on and off the court, you know, in between the matches” Buttermore said.
Buttermore said that a key component to their success is the comradery the team has had, and that they love being in the gym with each other.
Omaha played a tough non-conference schedule against teams like Creighton and Florida State, something that Buttermore said can help you learn a lot about your team.
Some added motivation to the season is that the Summit League Tournament is at Baxter Arena this year.
Shayla McCormick, Sophomore Outside Hitter, said Coach Buttermore brings not only knowledge of the game, but a level of confidence that reflects onto the team.
“Our chemistry is really nice and sometimes we don’t need to say anything, and we know what we are thinking, before the play even happens,” said McCormick.
McCormick said Buttermore is calm and collected on the sideline, something that the team has got behind because they know he has complete trust in them. Buttermore talks about this philosophy.
“I had an old AD that used to say practice is for the coaches and games are for the players” Buttermore said.
And though, Buttermore says it’s not about the coaches…this coach has brought something special to this team.
Omaha Volleyball has three games remaining in the regular season. The Summit League Tournament goes from November 24 to November 26 at Baxter Arena.
