Pack sluggish in volleyball scrimmage

RENO - Devin Scruggs was glad her University of Nevada volleyball team hit the floor for a scrimmage one week before its season opener because it wasn't pretty.

"We have a lot of work to do. It's definitely not what we want to bring on the court next Friday," Scruggs said. "We're glad we got a chance to play in front of a crowd."

The Silver team defeated the Blue, 30-32, 30-23 and 30-26, Saturday night during the annual intra-squad scrimmage at the Virginia Street Gym.

"We definitely feel the same (as Scruggs)," returning senior middle blocker Karly Sipherd said. "We have a lot of potential to come together as a team. Tonight, it didn't seem we knew each other."

For the hundred or so fans in attendance for the free scrimmage, the volleyball they saw didn't resemble the same, intense action from the last couple seasons. And the players knew it.

"I wanted that," Sipherd said about the intensity. "Everyone needs to be a team. I feel like I'm the only person screaming my head off. I feel like an idiot."

Teal Ericson, a Tahoe City native returning for her senior season as an outside hitter, felt the same as Sipherd, especially with the lack of unity and members playing for themselves.

"It's frustrating. We were kind of annoyed with each other," Ericson said. "It's the first we played in front of a crowd this season. People were anxious. We have a lot to work on."

Scruggs, who enters her 11th season with the Wolf Pack, said the team played inconsistent in all areas.

"We need to put the ball away on offense," Scruggs said. "Overall, the competition and intensity needs to increase. With having the injuries we have, it certainly limits our options. We're trying to find our lineup in case Allison (Hernandez, a junior outside hitter) can't return to play."

Scruggs, though, seemed satisfied with her setters, Ashley Miller and Sonnie Sei, but said they need to work on placement.

"They are continuing to improve," Scruggs added. "We'll need to work on our locations."

Blocking wasn't a highlight in the scrimmage, but the team showed its scrappiness with digs. Scruggs noted Dana Henry doing well digging the ball.

"We didn't do what we need to do," Scruggs said about the blocking. "It's early. We have the whole season to get better. We'll get there."

For Nevada, though, the season opens on Friday when Pacific comes to Reno.

Ericson, one of the leaders on the team, said the players need to put the team first and individualism aside.

"We need to put our problems aside and play," she said.