Volleyball fans give team a sendoff as players head to playoffs

Faculty, staff and students braved windy weather Wednesday night to show their support for the Hens volleyball team outside the Carpenter Sports Building, as players and coaches left for the NCAA tournament.

YoUDee, the cheerleading squad and the marching band were all on hand to say goodbye to the team members as they exited the doors of the building with their suitcases and pillows.

The team boarded a bus traveling to State College, Pa., where the Hens will take on Virginia Tech Friday night in the first round of the tournament.

"This season was an excellent season with great senior leadership," Head Coach Bonnie Kenny said. "We intend to bring our A-game."

The Hens (26-5, 13-1 CAA) qualified for the playoffs by defeating Northeastern in the conference championship on Nov. 21.

This marks the Hens' third playoff appearance in the last four years. In their most recent one, in 2008, the Hens lost to No. 9 Oregon in the first round.

Kenny encouraged students to travel to State College to support the team.

"Take a road trip and be as loud as you can," she said.

If the Hens win, they will take on the winner of a match between Niagara and Penn State.