HAPPY HOLIDAYS

DEAR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FANS!!!!

THE VOLLEYBALL FAMILY OF CSM WANTS TO WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT

LOVE,

THE CSM VB FAMILY

Haskell Indian Nation match-up11/7

Hello Flames Fans!

I think we all know we didn't play our overall best game tonight, but when our backs were against the wall we really showed what we are made of! It shows when we play together as a team we can get hot and go on a roll! Game 1 was really close, but we didn't let it slip away and finally closed the game 31-29.

I guess sometimes we still think we play to 30, just kidding I guess I am the only one who thinks that, just kidding Rod does too, just kidding we all know we play to 25!!

Game 2 was another close game, but when we needed to close the deal we did! Game 3 really showed what this team can do when our back is against the wall, when we were down 14-20 we really stepped up out game and started to play really agressive and kinda got a mean streak in us and that proved to be what we needed to battle back and win the match!!

GO FLAMES!!

Bellevue match-up 11/5

Hello Flames Fans!

I just wanted to say how proud I was of our team for battling the #4 team in the nation in Bellevue.
I defintely think it was one of our better games of the year, whether the score showed that or not. I think we played really well in Game 1 and after a rough Game 2 we started to come together stronger then anytime this year and really battle with Bellevue in Game 3. I hope with this loss, we will take the positive things we did as a team and build on it!!

GO FLAMES!!

Oklahoma Wesleyan...numero dos

Hello Flames Fans!

Friday, on a spooky Halloween night, before the Flames could go out and do their trick-or-treating, they had to take on the Oklahoma Weselyan Eagles in their second match up of the season. The Flames knew they had to perform at their best to take out the scrappy Eagle team.

The first game started out a little slow, back and forth points being scored, but in the end our passion and intensity helped us pull out a close 25-22 win. The second game we knew we had to come out on top of our game this time, because the Eagles weren't gonna go down without a fight. We proved that we had the right to win the game by putting our offensive and defensive talents together and pulling out an impressive 25-14 victory. But in order to put on our costumes and go, we had to finish off one last game. The Flames started off strong in the 3rd game, but Oklahoma Weselyan wouldn't go down without a fight. In the end we pulled it off and ended up winning the game 25-22. Congrats Flames!

We will see you next week where we take on Bellevue one last time on their home court, and then our final two matches at home vs. Haskell and Park on November 7th, and 8th.

REMEMBER!!! November 7th is Parent's night and we encourage all the parents to be there so we can honor all the work you've put in it for us players! Also, November 8th is Senior night, so come out and support Emilie as she plays her last home game of her career!

Thanks for coming out and continuing to support our team you Flames fans! Keep up the great cheering :)

Until next time...

The Flames take on the Briar Cliff Chargers for a second time!

Hello again Flames fans!

We just got back for our very last road trip :( to Sioux City, IA to face the Chargers.

The Flames got off to a great start during the first game against the Chargers. We came out strong with lots of awesome kills and aggressive serves that took the Chargers out of their offense. Unfortunatly, the Chargers took the match in three. After the match we reminded ourselves that we only have a few games left, and we all agreed that we want to end the season strong and competitive. We know that it's going to take lots of teammwork, desire and heart to pull out the last few wins of the season.

The Flames have a rematch with Oklahoma Wesleyan on Halloween night. Keep supporting your volleyball girls, and don't forget to wear that costume! HAHA

Ta Ta for now!

Flames vs. Peru State

Hey Flames Fans,

Saturday, October 25 we played Peru State after an exciting win over Central Christian the night before. We started off each set of the match a little rocky, but we really pulled it together once we got a few points under our belts. The second set was very close; we had hard hits, great passing and some awesome blocks, with us almost causing a 4th game to happen. We tried to carry that energy to the third set, but struggled with passing and putting the balls away. The flames came back at one point in the set and gave the Bobcats a run for their money, but we couldn't quite pull it off. It was by far an exciting game, even though we didn't walk out with a W. The crowd was great in cheering for us and was a good momentum booster.

Thanks to all the fans that come to watch, it made it that much more fun to play for you :] We're taking on Briar Cliff on Tuesday the 28th in Sioux City, IA and hoping for a win!

GO FLAMES!

Flamers vs. the Tigers of Central Christain

To all you flamers fans:

Going game-less throughout the week, the Flames were excited to get back on the hardwood once again. This time across the net from us was the Tigers of Central Christain out of McPherson, Kansas. We were ready to tally another "W" on the ol' count of wins and losses! With the season winding down, anything but wins is really out of the picture.

Anyway with that being said, the Flames started off to a somewhat rocky start, with struggles of getting our passes to the setter. Also there was some unforced errors when it came time for the Flames to attack the ball. Although our talk and determination got us out of that bind as we came together and started making plays and began to get things flowing. We went onto win the first set and we took the second set without trouble. In the second set great serving and some big swings kept the momentum on our side, but of course we couldn't have done that without our scrappy defense and great serve receivers. The third set the Flames started out somewhat like they were taking a snooze. The Tigers got a jump on us and we had to play catch up for the beginning of the set. Although we didn't give up. We kept together and began to wake up to win the third and final set. WOO! Next up, Peru State.

For all of those who came and watched us, thanks! For all of you who didn't, you missed out! But really, thanks to all of you who support us! We really appreciate it!

Friday's Struggle against Ozarks

On Friday, before our win against Park, we had a match up between us and the College of the Ozarks Bobcats. It was a rough start for us as we lost the first two sets, but we rallied back in the 3rd set to win our only game of the night. Although we didn't have our best game against C of O, we rallied back in the end to go out fighting. It was a tough loss, but we were ready to take on Park the next day and get back a "W" we needed for the Flames.

Thanks again, for everyone who supports us in both wins and losses. We truly do appreciate the fan support and we love to hear you cheering in the crowd!

Until our next match. . .

GO FLAMES!!

Flames get the "W" against Park!

Hey Flames Fans!

Well we just returned from Kansas City, Kansas where we faced up against the Park University Pirates! We knew we had to come out strong after a tough loss Friday night against College of the Ozarks. Even though the team was NOT so pumped up to be leaving at 7am, we arrived ready to compete with some FIRE!

The Flames started off the first game going back and forth with the Pirates, but managing to shut down Park's big hitters with our block when we needed to. We won the first game 25-20, and came out in the 2nd game with the same intensity. The Flames once again found the holes in Park's defense, and went on great serving run's to keep the Pirates out of system most of the game, winning the second game 25-19. We knew that Park wasn't going to give us this match that easy, so we were motivated to finish off the match and get on the road (we were also ready to EAT!). Even though the Pirates mananged to fight off a 23-15 lead to make it a little bit closer, the Flames finished the match with a third game win at 25-20.

Great job today girls! Way to hustle and keep the intensity! Let's keep this momentum all week and use it in our matches next week!

Also, thanks to the fans who traveled down to KC to see us play! You guys are the best!
You stay classy Flames fans ;) Stay tuned for updates on next weeks matches!

Dordt Match

Flames Fans!!

Tuesday Oct. 14 CSM volleyball played Dordt at 7pm. Flames all knew they needed to bring their "Game A." Dordt was not going to just hand the match over to them. Another W would of been awesome! Even though it didn't fall threw flames accomplished big things during the match. Several goals were reached.

Flames had a weak start in the first game. The flames then regrouped and got it together! Figuring things out and coming together is all it took. The flames did not stop fighting the entire match. Flames had many things to be proud of...


Bring on the Ozarks!!
Woop Woop GO FLAMES.......

Haskell Indian Nation Match

Hi Everyone!

Last night the Flames journyed on down to Lawrence, Kansas to take on Haskell Indian Nation. We all knew we had to come back home with a win and that is exactly what we did! Finishing in a little over an hour, we took Haskell in three.

In the first match, we should have finished it alot sooner than we did letting it go all the way to 27-25. But in the second and third sets we got our agressivness back and took a clean sweep. We played well by keeping our talk alive and coming together after every point which were both included in our goals. We finished the third set with a bang blocking their biggest hitter, allowing us to shower and get the heck outta there.

This Tuesday the Flames leave at 1:30 to take on Dordt College in Sioux City, Iowa @ 7pm. We plan on working hard this weekend so we can bring home another W!!


Go Flames!!!

Bellevue Bruins Match

Hello Everyone!

Last night the flames matched up against their sixth in the nation neighbor, the Bellevue Bruins. This was the very much anticipated match of the season and the adrenaline was pumping. We knew this was going to be a tough match, but had been preparing for it all season. The whole team decided before the match that we had nothing to lose, that we were going to go out there and play our game and most importantly HAVE FUN.

The stands were filled and we even were grateful to have the Fort Calhoun grade school team there to support us. Unfortunately the Bruins took all three games. But the flames didn't go down without a fight. They gave it their all and celebrated each block and kill that came their way. After the game the team sat down and evaluated what we could take and learn from the match to help us for the rest of the season.

This Friday the flames plan to travel to Kansas, once again. This time to match up against Haskell Indian Nations in Lawrence. They hope to stick to the plan of winning in three and getting home at a decent time.

Thank you, fans for your continuous support!!! You guys are the best!

GO FLAMES!!

Briar Cliff Match

Hey flames fans!

Last night your flames matched up against Briar Cliff from Sioux City, IA. The flames came out with a VERY impressive start to game #1. We got on a roll early in the game and pumped up our flames fans in the stands. The flames were able to pull out an awesome win in the first game. The next three games, though, were taken by Briar Cliff. The flames started falling back into some old habits and waited too long to come out of their "funk". After the game the team re-evaluated some individual things that we can work on to help the team out.

This weekend the flames have their alumni game during CSM celebration weekend! This will be a great chance to work out some kinks before the big Bellevue game on Tuesday!

Keep supporting your volleyball girls! We have some great fans!

Well, until next time...
GO FLAMES!!

Central Christian. . . Getting it done!

Hello Flames Fans!

Well, this Saturday was a success against Central Christian College! The Flames went 3-0, sweeping CCC in just a little under an hour. This game helped restore a bit of confidence and helped prepare for the next game against Briar Cliff on Tuesday at HOME!

The Flames hope to see a lot of you fans at the game to help cheer them on to hopefully the next victory!

Until Next Time. . .

GO FLAMES!!!

Peru State Match

Hello there!

Just getting home from Peru, Nebraska. First of all, just want to send a great THANK YOU for the fans that came out to the game tonight. It's over an hour drive and it was not the best of weather, but you bet the Flame Fans were there & cheering louder than EVER!

Tonight's match up was against your CSM Flames and Peru State. Both ranked in the top 4 of the MCAC conference. Getting to an impressive start, the Flames lost the first game 22-25. The CSM girls knew they had more to offer, though. That attitude carried into the next game and a score of 28-26 FLAMES! Aggressive serving, going on mini-runs and shutting down their big hitters were keys in that game. Games 3 and 4 seemed to slip away from CSM, unfortunately.

We continue to learn more and more what it means to play as a team and how critical communication is, specifically when we, as a team, aren't playing at the best we know we should be playing. We play this weekend in Kansas, little over five hours away from home against Central Christian College. The girls are ready to earn the respect they deserve in this conference & are looking forward to a win this weekend. Playing together & the intensity that every player has to offer is what will make that win happen Saturday afternoon.

Keep posted, Flame Fans!

C of O-No...

Last weekend, the CSM volleyball team headed down to good 'ol Branson, Missouri to play their first conference match of the '08 season against College of the Ozarks. On Thursday, after a wonderful what seemed like a ten hour drive down there, the girls were off to bed to catch some Z's before their early morning practice the next day.

Friday morning's practice was a quick and to the point. We were ready to give C of O some "heat". But first.... we had our team lunch at the one and only Bob Evans. If any Flame fans are down in the Kansas City or Branson area, I would HIGHLY suggest eating there. Okay, Mr. Bob Evans is not going to get free advertising here, so moving on...

FRIDAY NIGHT....game night! Talk about a roller coaster game! The Flames definitely gave the Bobcats some competition from the start. With aggressive serving and tough blocks, Ozarks wasn't going to get us without a fight. Ties are not allowed in the game of Volleyball and the first game's score made it to 26-24 with the Flames coming from behind. Unfortunately, losing the next three games.

All in all, learning different strengths & weaknesses that we are able to continue or work on is something we can take from that match. It was a great prep game for what other conference challengers will bring. Also, going down to MO brought an amazing experience of eating Bob Evans! :)

GO FLAMES!

CSM IN OKLAHOMA

Hey Fellow Flamers,

This past weekend we took a long trip down to Oklahoma Wesleyan where we beat the Eagles in their own nest!! Our team really stepped it up to take them in three even when the games got tight at the end. We are starting to blend better as a team and are becoming more open to each others views and pointers during our games. All season we have been taking baby steps to achieve our goals and this game was another step in the right direction. The Flames are begining to play like we have nothing to lose and to just play with it all out there, and to hold nothing back. We have another conference game coming up Tuesday night against Peru on their home court. We can only hope that all the hard work and progress we have been making will bring home another victory.

Northwestern Matchup

The Tuesday game against Northwestern last week we knew would be a tough match. Although we lost 0-3, our team started playing together a little more than usual. We picked up the intensity, but fell short of winning a game with the Raiders. Overall, another a tough match, but we as a team are growing more and more each practice and each game. This game helped us to prepare for the conference weekend ahead of us!

GO FLAMES!!

Concordia Game and Hastings Tournament!

The Flames started off the week with a win against Concordia University on Tuesday night, helping CSM have a good outlook on the weekend ahead. CSM went 3-1 with Concordia, finishing them off in the 4th set 26-24 to win the match! The weekend was a success for the Flames as well. CSM started out with a grueling 5-game match against St. Xavier University, winning the first 2, losing the second 2, and coming back to win that always important 5th game. After putting a "W" on the season record, CSM heads into yet another matchup with Concordia University. Like Tuesday, the Flames went 3-1 to win the match and gain some confidence going into Saturday's matches. Saturday morning's match turned out to be a little rocky, with a disappointing 0-3 loss to Oklahoma Baptist. The team said their was a lack of intensity and fun on the court, which is something they needed to change before the next match. For the last match of the weekend, the Flames stepped up to the challenge and beat Dakota Wesleyan 3-1. After losing the first game, CSM stepped it up and rallied back to win 3 games in a row to put another win on the charts for Flames volleyball. CSM wants to thank all of those that traveled out to Hastings for their support and hopes to see them soon!

This weekend, CSM travels to College of the Ozarks in Missouri for a 7PM match on Friday, and then to Oklahoma Wesleyan in Oklahoma for a 12PM match on Saturday.


GO FLAMES!!!!!!

CSM Classic

It was a cold, rainy weekend as teams pulled into Omaha to compete in the CSM Classic Tournament. The cold couldn't come close to taming the Flames Friday night, though. It was our second match of the evening, having already had a tough loss against Hastings College, St. Mary's was ready to earn their pride back against Doane College. Up 2 games to none, the third game was a reality check. The Tigers weren't going to go down without a fight. Resulting to an intense game 5, Doane and CSM battled back and forth leading to a hard-hitting loss at 13-15, Doane winning. We didn't leave the gym with our heads down, though, we knew we had two more chances for a "W" the next day.

Saturday morning, we were able to redeem ourselves, beating Midland Luthern 3-1. The team was beginning to take difficult situations that are presented in the game of Volleyball and learn from them. Fans filled in for the final match of the day, Morningside vs. CSM. Morningside, well stacked with an older team, presented another challenge for the Flames. It was a scrappy match, with Morningside's big hitters and our wall of blockers. The Mustangs pulled it off in three. After having a much-needed team meeting later that night, we feel we are coming together as one team. Learning that it is not just an "over-night" thing to be a successful Volleyball team. Remaining positive and relaxed is key going into the next game, many have mentioned.

It is the fourth straight cold, rainy day, this Monday morning as the Flames finish up their morning practice. Knowing that tomorrow night we have a whole new game to focus on- Concordia. The game is at College of St. Mary's at 7:30p. We hope to see all our wonderful fans in the crowd! The rain couldn't pour fast enough to put out these Flames!

Get 'em girls!

On a side note, we would like to thank all of the volunteers, parents & students that helped out this past weekend with the CSM Classic! It would not have been possible to host a great tournament without your help!!

Back from Cali!

Well, we're back from California and ready for a fresh start! We played Fresno Pacific, Carroll, Hope International, and Azusa Pacific during our weekend at the Concordia Irvine tournament. Although it was a rough 4 losses, we actually made a lot of progress as a team. Our last game, which was against #5 ranked Azusa Pacific, the team was able to relax and just play volleyball. We actually had some fun and played our best game of the weekend. It was a great bonding experience for the girls and we're ready to build our season together. Overall, we did well as a team and are ready for the challenges ahead of us!

Dana College....CHECK!

Good Morning, Flame Fans!

The College of Saint Mary Volleyball team had their first match last night against the Dana College Vikings. With the support of the amazing fans, CSM won in three games! All our hard work from preseason really payed off and showed as we fought through long rallys. The scores of the games were 25-18, 25-19, 25-18.

The Flames leave tomorrow to a well-anticipated tournament in the sunny, Irvine, California! Getting to play tough, nationally ranked west coast NAIA teams, we will get to test what we're really made of thus far.

Thanks to everyone in attendence at last nights game and can't wait to see you again at our next home game!

GO FLAMES!

THREE-A-DAYS???

Hello Flame Fans!!

Well, we're done with our preseason and that is an accomplishment in itself. From Monday, the 11th to Tuesday of the following week the College of Saint Mary Volleyball team pressed through physically and mentally challenging practices. Morning practices would start at 7 AM sharp going for 2- 2 1/2 hours. We would eat lunch as a team, then proceed to afternoon individual practices or a demanding pool workout. After eating dinner together, an evening practice was held for another 2- 2 1/2 hours. At the end of the day our curphew was midnight, but I can guarantee all of us were asleep by 10 each night preparing to do it all over again the next day.

Way to go, girls! Bring on the season!