WESTON, Mass. - After practicing off-site for the first four weeks of the 2016 season, the Regis (Mass.) women's volleyball team graced the brand new surface of Higgins Court for the first time Wednesday afternoon, the eve of its home opener Thursday against the University of New England.
"It's amazing being back on our own campus," said junior outside Sydney Trusty (Durham, Conn.). "Finally being back on our own court makes it feel like home."
Getting back into a routine is something to which 2015 New England Collegiate Conference Rookie of the Year Rachel Bartels (Edinburg, Texas) and the rest of the Pride is already looking forward. "We didn't have to meet up and take a bus ride," she said. "It was great to come in, take your time, put your stuff on, and get ready for practice."
"It's gonna be a good opportunity for our girls to try to change their mindset a little bit," said head coach Scott Wright. "Now they feel like they have a home."
After a bumpy start to the season that has seen the Pride fall to 0-5, the team is happy to finally get a little home cooking.
"(After) dropping five in a row, there's definitely been a bit of a cloud hanging over us," Wright said, "but I think knowing that we have a home match tomorrow and knowing that we're able to get back on our home court really have lifted our spirits."
Wright made a point of thanking two area schools for hosting practices over the past month as the new floor was being installed. "We're really grateful to Rivers School and to Weston for allowing us to use their facilities," he said.
First serve from the brand new Higgins Court between the Pride and Nor'easters is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Thursday evening.
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