The Oxnard College women’s volleyball team had one win in four years before the ‘09-‘10 season. The Condors have since tripled their win total over the past four years, currently sitting at 3-0.
OC has beaten L.A. Harbor, Mt. San Jacinto and L.A. City College, all very good teams. In the first two games, OC won in three very close matches, and in its third game, OC was put to the test with L.A. Harbor. Tied at two games each, the Condors bounced back winning the fifth and final match.
The man leading the way is former professional volleyball player, and second-year coach, David Fischer. Fischer is ecstatic about his team’s success.
“It feels great! Fischer said, “I won’t lie.”
Fischer believed his team’s ability to play well defensively has ultimately led to their stunning 3-0 start. He credits his team’s success to their ability take on new tasks.
“All the dumb sayings are true, defense wins games,” said Fischer. “Everybody [is] willing to play a role even if it’s a different one than they [had] last year.”
His team is taking great lengths to do what it takes to win matches.
“With this group, everyone is willing to play a different position or even not play and they don’t roll their eyes,” said Fischer. “They don’t complain. They just do it. Whatever helps the team.”
Last season, setter Ashley Lajoie went down with a knee injury. When Lajoie returned, she switched to the libero position, and illustrated by example the mindset Fischer had set.
Last year, the Condors won only one game. As a result, Fischer decided to do things differently this year.
“We’ve asked the players to be available for an extra Saturday beach workout,” he said. “We’ve asked players volunteer to come early and pass balls a couple days a week.”
Fischer also credits his assistant coach, Jill Muhe, for contributing to the team’s recent success.
“[Jill] is a big part our [team]”, Fischer said. “[She is] enforcer of the team because she adds intensity to the practices.”
Even though they are off to a great start, Fischer believes his team should not take any match lightly.
“A one lost record is just a measure of who you’re beating not how you’re playing,” Fischer said. “We know that there are teams that are 0-3 that we need to take seriously.”
According to Fischer, volleyball has been revived to an otherwise dismal program at Oxnard College.
“A lot of people don’t realize that Oxnard has volleyball again,” he said. “I don’t think anybody would of bet that we would be sitting at 3-0.”
