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ACC Volleyball practices for the first time since fall 2019

ALPENA, Mich. — For the first time since Oct. 2019, the Alpena Community College (ACC) Lumberjacks volleyball team has returned to the court. ACC volleyball usually takes place in the fall. However, last summer the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) decided to move the volleyball season to the beginning of 2021.

“Playing volleyball in the month of January is extremely weird,” said Freshman Arielle Vermilya. “For me this time I would be playing basketball.

That’s not the only change. Monday marks the first day the Lumberjacks had to practice with a mask on. “Playing with a mask is definitely weird,” said sophomore Alexis Pilarski. “It’ll take some time to adjust. Eventually, I’ll get used to it.”

This season, Lumberjacks head coach Sarah Parsons has a bunch of returning players, including libero Alexis Pilarski. In 2019, the Alpena native racked up 150 digs, earning all-MCAAA second team. As a team, they’ll try to improve on last season’s 1-15 overall record.

The Lumberjacks have over a month to prepare for their first test of the 2021 season. They’ll square off with St. Clair County Community College on Feb. 13.