In the Swamp with Sage Women's Volleyball tri-captain, Helen Putriment

By Juan Reyes-Alvarez, junior business major at Sage and captain of Sage's men's cross country team

I interviewed the captain of the Women's Volleyball team, Helen Putriment, right after their game against Hartwick College. She was nice enough to talk to me and answer questions I had for her regarding the game. She clearly had an outstanding performance that night so she was very excited and rightly so. Here is the interview:

[Moments after match ends] Helen, how are you feeling right now? "I am absolutely thrilled - with the game."

What do you think the team did right tonight? "There was a lot of communication and we never gave up on the ball.  We started the game strong and even when our energy was down we were able to find a way to turn it around."

What was your job/role on the court? "My hope was to support my teammates by continuously communicating.  Good communication and chemistry makes a world of difference!

What were things you said to your teammates to motivate them? Think about what you want to accomplish and then execute it!!! "You're awesome, and I love you!  Now let's destroy that team!!" 

How did you prepare for this game? And do you do the same for every game? "I always do yoga before every game, and I make a point to meditate- I hope to have more awareness of the court and how to accomplish the best option to each situation for myself and the team as a whole."

What was the general feeling you got from the team during the game? "We have so many options and strengths on this team that it felt that we were in control of the game the entire time."

How did the fans influence the game/you? "It motivates us. I believe we all want to represent ourselves and we also want to represent the Sage Women's volleyball program and of course our COACH."

What is the team's outlook of the season after this game?  "We are extremely confident and talented and it seems that we still have room to improve our level of play"

Congratulations and good luck with the rest of the season. "Thank you"