RANGELY, Colo. (November 25, 2019) - Improvement is a slow-building fire; something that may slowly-yet-palpably gain steam and sparks.

The Colorado Northwestern Community College volleyball team is an example of improvement taking place in a program, going from 3-27 in the 2018 season to 5-19 with a pair of conference wins in the 2019 season. The league victories helped the Lady Spartans add confidence and excitement for 2020 and beyond, validating the strategy of CNCC coach Ashley Bryant in the rebuilding process.

Bryant said she was encouraged by the growth of the program over the course of the year.

"We continuously improved throughout the whole season," she said. "Not only in skill but also in the direction that the Spartan volleyball program is looking to go."

CNCC swept Southern Nevada in a pair of matches during the Scenic West Athletic Conference season, validating the Lady Spartans as a growing prescience in the league. The Southern Nevada matches stood out in particular to Bryant in her season recollection.

"A defining moment for our season was the CSN match at home," she said. "It was during this match that the light bulb went off for the team regarding what it really means to be on the same page at the same time, working towards the same goal. After that match, the work ethic shifted in the gym from working hard to working completely together."

As the team goes forward into the offseason, Bryant said her goals are for the program to continue to build fundamentals.

"We are really looking forward to getting our Beach Volleyball program off the ground, as well as fine-tuning our indoor skills and continuing with our leadership training to get the girls prepared for next season," she said. "We are looking forward to establishing and building upon the culture that we want."