28-0 Heroes: LBCC Volleyball Undefeated
Coach Jayme Frazier watches players warm-up at practice. Photo credit Elliot Pond.
Fourteen out of 16: That’s how many times Linn-Benton Community College Volleyball has qualified for the Northwest Athletic Conference tournament in the last 16 years.
Currently, LBVB is undefeated in league play, with six wins and zero losses, in the southern region of the NWAC, consisting of eight total teams. Overall, the Roadrunners’ record stands at 28-0.
“This team is athletic, hard working, willing to risk, good sense of humor, and have a desire to improve individually and as a team,” said Head Coach Jayme Frazier. “I believe they are starting to understand the sacrifices they have to make in order to keep healthy and moving toward continued improvement and success.”
So far the team has picked up wins against Chemeketa, Clackamas, Mt. Hood, Clark, Umpqua, and Southwestern Oregon Community College.
Playoff format is that the top four teams from each region go to the NWAC tournament in Tacoma, Wash., at the end of November. There are a total of 32 teams in the NWAC this year, leaving the top 16 teams to advance to the playoffs.
Frazier really emphasized the team aspect as opposed to one player dominating, although there are some key contributors.
“We really try to focus on team and how every single person has such a key role on and off the court,” said Frazier.
Montanna Gubrud has received the southern region and all NWAC Setter of the Week and Under Armour Player of the Week, Chase Bohman was honored last season as American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) freshman to watch, and Alyvia Sams has proven herself to be a strength at the defensive position.
“I’m the passer or source of defense and I’m essentially asked to cover the entire court,” said Sams.
Frazier has coached 23 total years at LBCC, starting in 1993 but taking a year off in 2000 to assist at Western Oregon University. Prior to beginning her coaching at LBCC she coached three years at high school level in volleyball and basketball in the Roseburg area, then at Venice High School and Beverly Hills High School.
“She has such a great way of breaking everything down in practices so that you’re ready for anything that may get thrown your way,” said former LBVB player Malie Rube. “She really helps and pushes her athletes to grow not only physically but mentally, and I think that’s so important for the game at this level.”
The team’s next home game is on Wednesday, Oct. 19 against Clackamas again. For now the team focuses on continuing to grow and keep competitive so they can make the NWAC Playoffs for the 15th year.
Article by Nick Fields
