At the beginning of the year, this reporter thought she would be covering a losing team. Assigned to a senior-less group who had lost its top three players, it appeared the BU volleyball team would finish at the bottom of the standings.

After all, championship teams need chemistry, maturity and most of all, leadership. At least, that’s what I had been trained to believe throughout my years involved in organized sports. The Bearcats however, defied all odds to capture the America East Championship. Now I wonder, how can I give justice to what turned out to be a dream season?

I cannot adequately convey the hard work and effort these girls poured into every game. The Bearcats have turned heads, continuously astounded us and left us coming back for more. They worked out the kinks in preseason play and came together as a cohesive unit to play sound, mature and exciting volleyball.

Katie Brody’s mom put it best when she said, “They sure don’t make it easy on us, but we love them for it.”

These girls deserve a standing ovation. Next time you see one of the girls in lecture hall, downtown, wherever, take the time to shake her hand and congratulate her, because she deserves the praise.

This was not a team of standouts. There was no Tom Brady or Shaquille O’Neil. Instead, every girl was a ferocious competitor and contributed on the court. I guess Ashley Meffert had a pretty easy job knowing that she was surrounded by playmakers.

The best part is that all of the girls will be returning next year and their top competitors, Maine and Albany, will be losing key players.

Once again, we will get to see Jacki Kane stuff competitors with her tremendous blocks, Brody and Brianna Strong will pick teams apart with their dominant hitting, Jaclyn Strader and Megan Hoag will throw their bodies across the court to make outstanding digs and Kathleen Schauer and Katelyn Robertson (who’s fibula will be healed) will provide the backbone with all-around smart play.

I just have to keep reminding myself that there are only 257 days until the 2006 season.