In the far right corner of UNE’s volleyball court stands Kailyn Reilly. She hits the ball against the floor as she looks over to the other team, scanning the court to find the best spot to aim her serve. She hits the ball over and the other team barely gets it up in the air. The crowd goes crazy as the other team returns the ball as an astray hit which goes outside the lines and UNE receives the point. 

“They’re good at what they do,” said Lynn Brandsma, a university ambassador at UNE, as she watched the team’s match on September 20th. No matter the play, these girls know how to keep the game going.

UNE’s team is led by Head Coach Ian Blanchard and assistant coaches Shannon Heckman, Jake Balfour, and Jane Sakowicz. The team comprises two first-years, four sophomores, six juniors, and three seniors. 15 girls in total who give 110% each time they’re on the court.

 The team includes junior Ellijah Hanley, who has been ranked #6 in the nation for serving aces, a serve that the opponent cannot pass, in DⅢ. This team is a mix of talent, with players coming from home states as close as Massachusetts and as far away as Hawaii.

The UNE players have incredible form when receiving serves from the opposing team, digging up even the most precise ones flying from across the net. Even when the score is lower than they’d like, they keep the energy up and continue fighting until the game’s end. 

Throughout the week, the team participates in strength training to prepare for games, and it’s seemingly paying off. The players have strong arms and powerfully hit the ball over the net, but do it with grace every time.

Not only do the girls have amazing technique, but they’re also extremely quick on their feet. All of their players can get across the court within a matter of seconds. Whether it’s moving to save a hard-hit ball or running off the court to save a ball out of the lines, they’re going to do their best to get there, and most times, they do.

Whether in the lead or not, they continue to focus on playing their best and supporting the team. At a UNE volleyball game, you see the girls constantly supporting each other on and off the court. The team has a notable dynamic with one another. UNE’s Women’s volleyball team is not one to mess with. 

For anyone interested in attending a UNE women’s volleyball game, the next game will be at 1 PM on Saturday, September 28th, in Biddeford at the Harold Alfond Forum. UNE will be playing against Westfield State. To see stats and recaps from previous games or to see upcoming games, check out the 2024 Women’s Volleyball Schedule.