SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Onondaga Community College volleyball is off to a strong start this season.
The Lazers are 5-1 through six games and one small piece of candy is energizing them, first year player Grace Plewak said.
“My coach always makes sure we have a pack of Jolly Ranchers on the sidelines which might seem weird but it definitely carries you through,” Plewak said.
The candy is not a new tactic for head coach Joe Brainerd. Before coaching at OCC, Brainerd coached volleyball at a local high school. There, he supplied a gum bag for the team. But when he got to OCC, he switched to Jolly Ranchers. It’s something the Lazers have gotten comfortable with.
“It’s like your mom making you a meatloaf on a Sunday afternoon,” Brainerd said. “It’s something they expect to see there and I don’t know, they really like it so it’s been a great tradition.”
The Lazers won their last five matches after falling in their season opener. OCC’s last two matches went late into matches, going past the third set. In later sets, first year player Ella Beckering said she compliments her teammates more.
“You need it because you’re gassed,” Beckering said. “You need the extra pick me up.”
The Lazers have 19 total matches scheduled this fall through late October.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Fueled by Jolly Ranchers and built-in endurance, OCC Volleyball is off to a strong start
Tim Wilcox: Onondaga Community College volleyball is off to a 5-1 start. First year player Grace Plewak says one energy source is providing a spark.
Grace Plewak: My coach always makes sure we have a pack of Jolly Ranchers on the sidelines which might seem weird but it definitely carries you through.
Wilcox: Plewak says her favorite flavor is grape, and head coach Joe Brainerd says watermelon is a hit amongst the team.
Brainerd: It’s costing me a fortune this year because they go through a 5-pound bag in about three days but it’s worth it for them.
Plewak: I think it’s special to our team and I don’t know where it came from or who thought of it but I really appreciate it.
Wilcox: OCC has earned wins in the later stages of matches. Brainerd says the Lazers’ endurance starts in practice where they run to gather balls. The Lazers’ last two wins came at home. Right behind me here at Allyn Hall the Lazers are undefeated this season. OCC has won all three of their matches here at their home gym. First year player Ella Beckering says OCC has been at full throttle late in matches. When they go past three sets, she compliments her teammates more.
Ella Beckering: You need it because you’re gassed. You need the extra pick me up.
Wilcox: Now, training, motivation and Jolly Ranchers have the Lazers on a five-match winning streak. Tim Wilcox, NCC News.