By Deja Jones 

On Friday, Sept. 19, the University of Maryland women’s volleyball team beat the Seton Hall Pirates 3-0 in the Maryland Challenge in College Park.

This is the Terps’ seventh win of the season, leaving them 7-3 overall. As the Terps walked into the Stephen M. Schanwald Pavilion at Xfinity Center for the second time this season, they were met with a loud and welcoming atmosphere. 

They were greeted by their family, friends, fans and the band, which filled them with positive and encouraging energy. Not only was it the support from the fans and band, but it was the comfort of being in their home gym for only the second time this year.

“Just being at home, sleeping in your own bed, then coming to your second home. We’re here every day, so we’re really used to our own gym and it’s a huge advantage for us,” senior family health major and defensive specialist Ally Williams said. 

Although they were leading most of the game, the Terps had a slow start. Going into the game, the Pirates were down a few players due to injury. This affected the Terps because they needed to determine their lineup so they could adjust accordingly. 

Adam Hughes, going into his eighth year as head coach, took an early timeout to get the Terps back on one accord. 

“Being down 9-3 in game one and making some offensive choices that I thought were questionable. I took a time out, and then we were able to get the offense running from there,”  Hughes said. 

This slow start forced the Terps to come together as a team. Williams and opposite hitter Ajack Malual, a senior sociology major who transferred from Tennessee ahead of this season, maintained their composure to keep their teammates encouraged and focused.

“It’s more about being composed and having effective communication,” Williams said. 

“When things get hectic, I look at her and see the same composure from her experience and knowledge,” Malual added. 

This matchup against the Pirates gave the Terps a lot of lessons about themselves as a team. It showed that even during unforeseen circumstances, they were able to stay together, adjust and play as a team. 

Hughes spoke positively about this year’s team. According to Hughes, he believes this group has more opportunities for explosive growth. 

“I think there’s a lot of room for growth here. It’s just going to be a chase of time,” Hughes said. 

One of the main themes for the Terps this year is consistency. 

“In order to win in those tight moments, you can’t change anything,” Williams said.“You have to keep doing what you’re doing, saying the same things to yourself and your teammates, and just stay confident.” 

“Learning how to finish it all the way until 25,” Malual said.

Going into their first big conference match against Nebraska on Sept. 27, the Terps have a strong mindset to stay focused. 

“We want to show up in the same lineup, same mindset going in, no matter who we’re playing against,” Williams said.

Featured Image: Maryland volleyball on the court. Photo by: Deja Jones