The facts behind Viterbo's volleyball forfeit

Just a month ago, the volleyball team had to forfeit 34 games. Different explanations for the forfeiting have circulated among students and faculty, but rest assured, the reality is far simpler than what had been assumed. According to head coach Ryan DeLong, it came down to a ruling the NAIA made.

Originally, a student on the Viterbo team was told she was eligible to play college volleyball. After having new information come to light, the NAIA revoked their permission for the player, and Viterbo then had to forfeit all the games in which she had played. Unfortunately, for the sake of the player’s anonymity, more details on the matter cannot be given. The head coach assured that the forfeit is “a non-issue” for the team at this time. “The girls experienced a great season,” he explained, “with a lot of success and memories, and the NAIA can’t take that away from them.”

On a high note, DeLong has stated that this year will be no different than any other with high goals and a “mixture of talented players up and down” the roster.

The team has been suffering from injuries as well as the forfeit this season. Chloe Jasckt will be out for the year with a knee injury, and Miah Garant will be out for a month due to a broken tibia. The team anticipates Garant’s return in the next few weeks to help boost to their game and team morale.

Despite the setbacks, DeLong has said, “Even with all the injuries, our girls have played well and are working hard every day in practice to get better.” Even with the obstacles in their way, the volleyball team is excited or the long season ahead and cannot wait until November. DeLong has confidence in the team and what they are going to accomplish this season.