Stephen Slezak, Campus Carrier asst. sports editor

Volleyball is back in action for the Vikings, where Berry has been dominant nationally year in and year out. Berry comes off of a 27-6 season, capping the season off with hosting regionals. The Vikings return with nine upper classmen mixed in with young talent in the sophomore and freshman class. 

Caitlyn Moriarty is back for her ninth year as head coach of the Vikings. Moriarty has accumulated a 195-42 record with a 97-9 record in the Southern Athletic Association (SAA). Over her time at Berry, Moriarty has been named American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) South Region Coach of the Year three times as well as SAA Coach of the Year four times. Moriarty has also led the Vikings to six SAA championships over her career.

There was no time to waste for the Vikings at the start of the season. Berry has played three nationally ranked teams out of their first five games with the two remaining schools also being quality opponents. Scheduling a tough opening schedule can be very beneficial to the success of the team later in the season.

“We always try to play the best competition possible,” Moriarty said. “We want our players to be exposed to those really strong teams or a tough situation mentally so that when it comes time for conference play and preparing ourselves to potentially make the NCAA tournament, we want them to not be shocked at what that feels like. We want them to be prepared and having been exposed to the best in division three.”

Entering this season, new players have stepped into roles and competed for playing time with the veterans on the team. The freshman class brings in six new players who have shown to improve the floor of the team in games as well as in practices.

“Our freshman class is extremely talented and mature,” Moriarty said. “They all have the potential to see the volleyball court and elevate our gym on a daily basis.”

Lindsey MacDiarmid enters her senior year at Berry where she has won three conference championships in the previous years. In 2023, MacDiarmid accumulated honors such as AVCA All-region Honorable mention, SAA second team all-conference, and SAA all-tournament team. Being part of the volleyball team at Berry for this time means much more to MacDiarmid than just being a student-athlete.

“I’m valued as more than just an athlete,” MacDiarmid said. “I’m grateful that at Berry we are valued as more than just our sport. Just being on the volleyball team is a wonderful opportunity, and I cherish all the moments. I’m super grateful that I do get to be surrounded by these players and coaches.”

The preseason camp before the regular season is meant to prepare the players for the physically exhausting season ahead of the team. The camp is composed of challenges named after each team in the SAA, and each player is required to pass those challenges.

“The whole idea behind it is that if we are beating the challenge then we are mentally beating them before we play them,” MacDiarmid said. “Pushing ourselves mentally and physically, but also working as a team to fight and overcome those battles. Our coaches do a good job setting us up for success when challenges come.”

Following three straight SAA championships and trips to the elite eight and regionals, the expectations and goals for the team remain constant and not to look ahead into the postseason.

“Our biggest goal is always to get one step better whether that’s in practice or in games,” MacDiarmid said. “The wins will come; our goals will flourish when they happen. The main goal is being opened minded, and not being afraid to back down from a challenge with the mindset of getting better each day.”

Volleyball has come off to a rough start entering the year with an overall record of 3-6. Berry won their first conference game in three straight sets over Oglethorpe University, to stay 1-0 in conference play. Through the slow start to the season, there are lessons to be learned from these losses. 

“We are learning to persevere and work through different things,” MacDiarmid said. “As a senior it’s cool to see freshman and sophomores using their voice and speaking up. I would not change what we’re going through because I know we are going to come out stronger on the other end. It’s going to set us up for success in the long run.”

This Friday, Berry is hosting Emory University for their pack the house game. On Saturday, the Vikings host their parent’s day game against Covenant College. The remainder of conference play will start back up on Sept. 28 against Millsaps College at home.