Butler volleyball prepares for a stretch of four home games after the GCU Classic. Photo by Jonathan Wang.

JULIA LORELLI | STAFF REPORTER | jlorelli@butler.edu

Despite the 2024-25 season not starting the way they wanted, the volleyball team looks to keep their composure as they head into the rest of the season.

Butler went 0-3 in the Lipscomb University Invite before returning to Indianapolis to take on the IU Indy Jaguars on Sept. 4. Butler won the first set, but the Jaguars came back and won the next three sets to win the game 3-1. 

When the Dawgs returned to Hinkle, the games started to go their way. They shut out the Indiana State Sycamores 3-0 on Sept. 6 and secured a 3-1 victory the next day.

Head Coach Kyle Shondell leads the Bulldogs for his second year at Butler. He attributes their wins to the players not getting frustrated with the outcomes of their first few games.

“It’s just being patient,” Shondell said. “It’s all about the process of understanding the work we’re putting in, day in and day out. It’s going to continue to show growth, and eventually that growth turns into wins.”

Coach Shondell feels that the Bulldogs give 100% of their effort, allowing them to give tough opponents a run for their money. Shondell wants his players to be able to compete with any team that comes their way. 

“Our goal every year is to compete [at] as high [of a level] as we possibly can, compete with everybody, be a team people don’t want to see on the schedule,” Shondell said. “It’s a healthy blend of youth and experience that’s hopefully going to push us where we want to go. We want to compete with everybody who plays.”

As the Bulldogs plan to take on the rest of their opponents, junior setter Cora Taylor is excited for the upcoming competition this season. The Bulldogs plan to focus on one game at a time and play their best. 

“I would say [I’m most excited to play] Xavier or UConn because they’re both rivalries,” Taylor said. “[Those are] always pretty fun game[s], just because it’s always intense and it’s always electric. No matter if they’re Creighton, Marquette or whoever we’re going up against, and just treat them as the number one team in the nation.”

Senior outside hitter/opposite hitter Abby Maesch is more focused on how her team feels before a game than their opponent. She believes that if they stick to their game plan, they will be successful. 

“I feel like every game’s not just another game, but I’m not so focused on who we’re playing,” Maesch said. “I’m more focused on what we’re feeling. Staying calm, staying confident in what we can do, because I think whenever we rely on the things that we know we definitely can play [at] a higher level than we show at times.”

Coach Shondell is always fixated on preparing his team for their next game. However, he is also eager for the Bulldogs to face off against their Big East opponents.

“The conference gets better every single year,” Shondell said. “Creighton and Marquette are just terrific examples of how good Big East volleyball can be.”

Practices are a mix of work and bonding. The team works hard to prepare for each game, but they also are able to enjoy their time on the court. 

“We have a lot of fun, especially on the court during practices, as others are goofing around, but we also get the job done,” Taylor said. “It’s not like we’re goofing around and not doing what we do. We’re laughing or joking around with each other. If there’s music playing before there’s someone dancing or singing.”

The team knows how to depend on each other to do their jobs at the right time. They remain confident and calm when a game gets frustrating because they can count on each other.

“I think whenever we rely on the things that we know we definitely can play at a higher level than we show at times,” Maesch said. “I always rely on being confident, because if you’re freaking out, or thinking too much, you start playing bad and things can go anywhere. I trust my teammates all the way. You know, if I look to my left or look to my right, I know that someone’s gonna be there. They’re my teammates.”

Taylor knows that staying level-headed during a chaotic play has many benefits and that the easiest plays are sometimes the best ones. 

“Just play your game,” Taylor said. “Keep it simple. Stay calm. Don’t freak out over chaos or whatever goes on in the court, and just have fun.”