RMU Volleyball looks to rebound with new coach, rising upperclassmen

The team celebrates after a point in their game against Cleveland State on September 24, 2021 Photo credit: Tyler Gallo

Colby Sherwin

After a difficult 2021 season for RMU Volleyball. The team went 9-21 and 2-16 in conference play, Robert Morris looks to return to its former championship pedigree.

Last year, the team got off to a hot start, as they began the year 7-3. The year began to hit some hardships as they started conference play 1-3. On Nov. 4, after over a month-long nine-game losing streak, the all-time winningest coach Dale Starr was let go, promoting longtime associate Danny Doherty, keeping the season afloat and seemed to be a players coach as the team finished out the 2021 regular season.

The Colonials did walk away with some positives last year. Emma Granger became an all-time block, and service ace leader in program and history, and seemed to be a players coach as the team finished out the 2021 regular season.

The team will begin the year on Aug 26 as they take place in the JMU Invitational in Harrisonburg VA. They will play Kent State, James Madison, and Albany and their first home match will be on Sept. 2 as host of the RMU/Chick-Fil-a Robinson Labor Day Classic against William and Mary, and Canisius. The first conference game will be on Sept. 20 in the UPMC Events Center as the host Oakland. The Colonials will send off their seniors on Senior Day Nov. 12 against Northern Kentucky.

As the team lost a program icon in Emma Granger, some new faces will step in juniors Abby Ryan, Annie Monaco, Emma Brown and sophomores Ashleigh Wallin and Jaidan Hockman can be huge leaders for the team as they enter their junior year. Alyssa Hudak enters her fifth year as well, and the first full year with Danny Doherty. The Colonials have a shot to shoot up the ranks in the Horizon League as they enter their third season in the conference.