Pacific takes it one point at a time

Boxers will focus on their game instead of what their opponent is doing

By Blake Timm

The Forest Grove News-Times, Sep 9, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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Make every point count, no matter the opponent.

Head coach Lena Chan’s goal for her second year leading the Pacific volleyball program is that simple. The strategy is to focus on the Boxers’ own game rather than worry about who the opponent is, their ability or their ranking.

“Our goal is to never talk about the other team,” Chan said. “We’ll be going to McMinnville or Salem, not necessarily going to Linfield or Willamette. We need to worry about playing every point our way instead of worrying who is on the other side.”

That simple of a direction seems to be smart for what is a relatively young Pacific team. Despite an almost even split squad of seven returners and six freshmen, there are just three juniors on the roster and no seniors. That has not hindered progress in the preseason as those who gained a year of experience under Chan in 2008 – led by First Team All-Northwest Conference middle blocker Kelsy Takashima – seem to be doing a good job of leading the newcomers.

“This group learns quickly,” Chan said. “The group that was here last year, the sophomores and juniors, are dictating the pace. That’s nice because in our spring practices you could really feel that difference in the gym.”

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