Dave Egan ser tillbaka på säsongen och fram emot slutspelet med Sollentunas Damlag

Grundserien för damernas elitserien är färdigspelad i och med söndagen och slutspelet står för dörren. Efter 18 genomförda omgångar så delar headcoach Dave Egan med sig av sina tankar där han både ser i backspegeln men även blickar framåt mot slutspelet.

Over the course of long season there are always some ups and downs, as well as a few surprises along the way. This season has been no different and looking back at the work we’ve done since the first day of practice in August, there is much to smile about.
 
A fourth place finish in this year’s Elitseries would have to be seen as a successful regular season for Sollentuna Volley. With more and more professional players in the league, the overall level of play this season has been high. Svedala, Gislaved and RIG Falköping have all improved their teams this season and the result is that there are no ‘easy wins’ anymore. To have an 12-4 record after the last round of regular season matches is a good accomplishment and big step forward from last season’s 9-9 record and fifth place finish.
 
One big factor in our success this year has been the play of team captain Sara Mild. Sara had a great season last year as well, winning the points and kills league as well as Årets Anfallare award, and has upped her game even more this year. She’ll once again win the kills and points league, and is now also a top cadidante for MVP. Her calmness and consistency are crutial to our success and we’ll need her to continue her strong play if we want make a deep run into the playoffs. 

Sollentunas damlag i januari
övre raden: Dave Egan, Anna Harlin, Sofia Harlin, Cissi Skoog, Malin Lindgren, Emily Turner, Emmy Blouin, David Ottosson
undre raden: Kristiina Raap, Nina Grawender, Anna Westerlund, Johanna Falk, Sara Mild, Maggie Persson Kjessel
foto: Anders Harlin
 
Another reason to smile has been the development of our newest and youngest players. The offseason additions of Sofia Harlin and Anna Westerlund from RIG Falköping, as well as mid season additions of Nina Grawender and Sollentuna product Sara Granholm have all added to the strength of our team. With some great work ethics and big personal goals, all four players have become important contributors to the team. If they can keep going on their current path of development, the future of Sollentuna looks bright!
 
The season hasn’t been without its share of low moments as well. Losing libero Malin Lindgren to a season ending foot injury was very difficult. Malin’s consistently high standard in reception and defense has surely been missed, but losing her leadership and great energy is been the most difficult. Fortunately our team has some other veterans who have done well filling that void, and Maggie, Kristiina, Johana and Emmy deserve a lot of credit for keeping the team focus and together. Libero Cissi Skoog has also had a great season, and has been the anchor in our much improved serve reception unit.
 
Looking ahead to the playoffs, we’re confident that we can find success against any opponent. The coaching staff has used many different player combinations this season and the team is stronger because of it. Emmy, Sara and Cissi have started all the of matches in the second half of the season, but in the other positions there has been more changes. We’ve been successful this season with both Anna Harlin and Emily Turner running the offense, and will need both of them to be ready for action in the playoffs. Our quartet of middles have all made impacts, as well of the different players on the rightside. The coaches feel like we have all pieces to match up well with any team and play any style.
 
Only time will tell how things will end up, but the team is confident of the path they’re on and the progress they’ve made this season. The 2011 playoffs are just around the corner and we’re saying: Bring It On!