By Aaron Cheng '16

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara Broncos (SCB) talked with sophomore outside hitter Nikki Hess (NH) of the volleyball team about the ongoing season and the team's chemistry.

SCB: Congratulations on a great season last year and for being named to the WCC All-Freshman Team. What are you doing this season to build on that success?

NH: I am just continuing to work hard in practice everyday to become better at every aspect of the game.

SCB: The team is off to a great start this season, what keeps you and your teammates focused for the remainder?

NH: We all have a common goal and it is to win our conference, so when we aren't focused we will remind each other of that goal and what we need to do in order to achieve it and that usually gets us back on track 

SCB: How does the beginning of conference play affect your mindset moving forward?

NH: It gives us a good idea of what we will be facing. Every team in our conference is great and competitive so we just have to keep in mind that we will have to work for each point, and play our brand of volleyball each time we step on the court.

SCB: Your team is fairly young this year, can you tell us a little about the team dynamic?

NH: Our team is young however I think everyone is very mature volleyball-wise. We all know what is expected of each other and what we need to bring to the court, which is why I think we have very competitive practices. Also, all of us get along very well off the court, which definitely contributes to our team dynamic on the court.