RUSTON, La. – The 2020-21 volleyball season presented its fair share of challenges. Playing in the spring, playing back-to-back days in conference for the first time and having a lack of nonconference matches early in the season were just a few obstacles facing the 2020-21 Lady Techsters.
 
Now imagine all those changes taking place during your first year of collegiate volleyball. For 2020-21 first-year student-athletes Ainsley Yanz and Samantha Hicks, it was their reality as they arrived in Ruston from their hometowns in North Carolina and Texas, respectively.
 
"It was weird because we had to wait around for a really long time, and we just didn't know whether we were going to get to play or not," Yanz said. "When we finally got to play, we were like 'OK, are we going to have a season in the fall or spring?'
 
"There was just so much unknown that you couldn't plan ahead. It was always just 'push when you can.'"
 
As the 2021 season opens on Saturday with a road exhibition at McNeese State, a full fall slate has Yanz and Hicks back in their comfort zone. The return to a normal fall schedule, which features four weekend tournaments against nonconference opponents, provides structure and a sense of normalcy for the pair of sophomore defensive specialists.
 
"Things are more predictable this year, and that's helped as far as getting more confidence," Hicks said. "We're able to be more confident and put our best foot forward."
 
More time together, and less time looking at each other through a screen on team meetings via Zoom, has helped this group develop a tighter bond on and off the court. Team meetings, community service events and spending more time with LA Tech's seven newcomers helped Yanz and Hicks feel closer to their teammates.
 
The result? Better chemistry in practice and high levels of accountability on the court.
 
"There's no separation between upper and underclassmen," Yanz said. "Everybody is taking it one step at a time.
 
"The newcomers that have been brought into the team have really bought into what the coaches are trying to do with team. It's helping with the coaches, and we feel a lot better about being on the same page. We're trying to win together."
 
Aside from its seven newcomers, the LA Tech Volleyball program also will open its 2021 home schedule on a new court in the TAC. The 2021 team has spent more time practicing on its home court than a season ago, allowing players to get used to the lines and the floor they will be playing on come their first home match day on Sept. 1.
 
"I love it," Hicks said. "When we go to game play, it's the same court and it's the same place that we've been practicing, so we'll get to apply practice more to in-game situations.
 
"Plus, it's just really cool walking into the TAC. It's such a nice place to play. Walking in you get to see such an awesome environment."
 
After Tech's opening exhibition on Saturday, the Lady Techsters will travel to Fayetteville, Arkansas, for their first regular season matches of the 2021 season. LA Tech will open its schedule against Little Rock on Friday, Aug. 27, in Arkansas' Barnhill Arena.

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