Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
SOUTH WEBSTER — Talented. Electric. High-powered. Elite.
All of the above, and then some, perfectly describe Faith Maloney when she gets the chance to put a good swing on a volleyball.
CREDIT: Renee Nemeth/SOSA
As a junior, Maloney was one of the best, if not the best, players in Southeast Ohio. While leading her team to a 23-2 mark and an Elite 8 appearance, she piled up 327 kills, 163 digs, 96 blocks and 74 aces.
Now, as a senior, she’s looking to capitalize on each of those accomplishments.
We caught up with the 5-foot-11 hitter to discuss her expectations this season, the progress her and her teammates are making and much, much more.
Question: After a ridiculously successful season, your team is poised to go on an even deeper run this fall. Can you talk about the momentum you have as a team and what you learned during last year’s tournament run?
Maloney: Obviously after last year’s run, our team is really excited to have the chance to possibly go even further this year. But we know that in order to do that this year, we have to be less nervous coming into those big games.
Q: Looking back at last year, what was the most special thing about that team? How can you build off that this season?
FM: Our team’s chemistry was definitely the most special thing about last year. We all got along so well and really played for each other every game. With so many of the same players returning this year, I know we are already close. But we also have to build on the chemistry we already have while including the new players.
Q: Individually, you were phenomenal in every sense of the word. What have you continued to add to your game as a senior?
FM: Communication is a huge thing that I have been trying to work on. I’m not the most vocal person. But as a senior, I know I’m going to have to step up and be a person that my teammates can look to when we aren’t doing as well as we want.
Q: You have high expectations surrounding you. How are you dealing with that pressure on a daily basis?
FM: I try to ignore the fact that other people have expectations for what I need to do and accomplish this season. As long as I’m able to do what’s best for the team, I don’t have much to worry or think about.
Q: Can you name a teammate who you think is stepping up in practice? What will she bring on a nightly basis?
FM: Rylee McGraw is definitely someone who has been stepping up in practice. Her hitting has improved so much and having another solid hitter like her will help us a lot.
Q: Overall, what are your team’s goals this season? How do you go about accomplishing them?
FM: As a team, I think our only goals are to do as well as we can this season. No one wants to end the season like we did last year where we felt we could’ve gone further. If we play together and play like we know how, then I think we can accomplish that.
