Ernest Vasquez came in to his third season as head coach of the Warhawks volleyball team. This season Vasquez has been filled this season with 12 players and unlike last year it allows him to go to the bench when needed.

Vasquez said, “With a full roster we are able to put people in the game and get different looks.”

Mahogany Dilonga, Lacey Dietlin and Meghan McCoy were the only players to finish the college career after last season. All three contributed to bringing ULM out of a two year slump. On Aug. 28, Dilonga signed with a professional team  in Germany.

 Now, Vasquez has split the captainship among returning players. Each player brings a different leadership quality to the table.

“One girl might be a really strong leader on the court, and one might be a leader academically,” Said Vasquez. “Each player has their own role this season. It ensures all the pressure isn’t on one player.”

When asked what it felt like last season to snap that losing streak, Vasquez said, “Interesting. It was nice to finally fulfill my promise to the older girls that they’d find success in the form of a win.”

Vasquez comes from a different area of the country that plays volleyball differently. He compared his unique style of coaching to the west coast offense in football where many players are moving around to stretch out the defense.  Most teams run a traditional offense, and the Warhawks have recruited player that can play everywhere.

Amy Grabiec is one of those players recruited to fit in to Vasquez’s offense. Grabiec, the teams only true beach volleyball player, spent her summer training with professionals in California.

Graduate Assistant Coach Sarah Johnson is another addition accustom to the west coast style of play.Johnson is a former Arizona State player and said she is confident in the Warhawks after last week’s win over Stephen F. Austin.

Johnson said, “This win showed that this is going to be a successful season.”

This season ULM is predicted to finish last in the Sunbelt Conference.

“I couldn’t image being in a better position.” Said Vasquez.

“Everybody puts ULM there because the history of volleyball at the school and here’s a chance to change their minds.”

The Warhawks travel to Jackson, Ms., Tuesday to play Jackson State.