Cal prepares to face Saint Mary’s, UC Davis
Confidence is key — it makes or breaks any person. The same can be said for athletics. If an athlete walks out onto the court, field, rink or pool with enough confidence in their stride, it is undoubtedly a sign of belief — belief in one’s ability to overcome any opponent.
With that, fans hope Cal has mastered the ever-so-daunting skill of confidence as the season picks up. Coming out of the scheduled tournaments, the Bears stand tall and proud with a 5-3 record. With their team having defeated San Diego State, Utah Tech and Tennessee State, and falling to UC San Diego and Utah Valley, fans can expect a tighter-knit team with high levels of communication and, overall, good and entertaining volleyball.
As the Bears head into this week, they prepare to face Saint Mary and UC Davis — both very qualified teams from which fans can expect captivating matches.
On Thursday, the blue and gold will make its way to McKeon Pavilion where the Bears will face the Gideons. Saint Mary’s comes into this game with a 3-4 overall record, with its leading killer Hawley Harrer at 84 kills and Makenna Joyce leading the team in digs with 87.
When compared to Cal’s 5-3 record and 130 kills by Lydia Grote, it is statistically apparent that Cal will have the upper hand — not to mention Tara DeSa’s astonishing 122 digs.
Regardless of these statistics in Cal’s favor, Saint Mary’s is not a team that should be taken lightly, as they come into this game on a strong winning streak of three, having bested Pennsylvania, CSUN and UC Davis. Will a fierce Cal be enough to put an end to Saint Mary’s winning streak? A blue and gold stride will have to be positively confident if the Bears hope to take this victory.
Following that match, Cal will host the Aggies at Haas Pavilion on Saturday. With a 5-4 record and Demari Webb leading the team with 84 kills, Davis has established itself as a force to be wrestled with. Going into this match, Cal fans should be most worried about Shira Lahav and her 114 digs. Lahav will undoubtedly prove to be a vexing libero. Cal will have to play a game of strategic ball placement, as it can expect Lahav to dig a great deal of its attacks.
As Davis has faced No. 1 Texas and No. 18 Oregon, it is critical to consider what they have learned and how they’ve improved.
A confident team of Bears will have to strut hard in order to gain the confidence needed to conquer UC Davis.
Regardless of the final score, one thing fans can count on is the fact that the Cal team is growing stronger and smarter with every match. This is especially important because a daunting red enemy approaches as it prepares to attack a blue and gold bear. Cal will face none other than its Cardinal nemesis the following week on Wednesday.
Will the Bears be able to build up enough confidence to push them through and bring home victories?
Jose Rivera covers volleyball. Contact him at jrivera@dailycal.org.