USC women's volleyball player Ally Batenhorst uses her 6'5 height to leap high and spike the ball during a game at USC. The Trojans play two games this weekend at home.
USC women volleyball players Favor Anyanwu (#12) and Jadyn Livings (#42) go up for the block during a recent home game
The USC Women's Volleyball team is navigating a season filled with promise and hurdles. With a current record of 9-3 and ranked No. 21 nationally, the Trojans are showing potential but are still working to find their best form.
A significant highlight has been the transfer to USC by senior outside hitter Alley Batenhorst, who joined USC after graduating from Nebraska. In a much-anticipated match against her former team last Sunday, Batenhorst led USC with 13 kills, but the Trojans lost to the No. 2 Cornhuskers 3-0 in front of 8,689 fans. It was an emotional homecoming for Batenhorst, who reflected on her return, saying, "I graduated from there, so I'm always going to be a Husker. It feels like home here, and it's something that's really special. I just love the people there."
USC's three losses have all come against ranked opponents. No. 11 Creighton, No. 1 Pittsburgh, and No. 2 Nebraska. Currently holding a .750 winning percentage, the Trojans are 1-1 in Big 10 conference play and have a solid home record of 6-1. However, head coach Brad Keller emphasizes that the team is still not at full strength.
"Injuries have impacted us significantly," Keller noted, referring to key players like Jadyn Livings and Gala Trubint. Livings has struggled with injuries, while Trubint has missed time due to a concussion. Adonia Faumuina, who has returned to action after a two-and-a-half-year break, is still working to find her form.
Despite the challenges that every season brings, there are bright spots for the team. Batenhorst leads USC with 174 kills, while senior setter Mia Tuaniga has recorded 463 assists and 19 service aces. Both players are vital to the Trojans' offensive strategy as they work to build chemistry on the court.
Looking ahead, USC will face Michigan at home on Friday, October 4, at 7 p.m. and the play No. 12 Minnesota on Saturday at home at 8 p.m. Coach Keller stated, "Our focus isn't on the opponent right now, but on refining our game. We need to be great in all four phases." He believes that with time, health, and understanding, the team will continue to improve and reach its full potential.
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