By Jordan J. Michael

GUILDERLAND –– The Lady Dutch volleyball team won one match last year, but it’s already widely surpassed that mark in 2010.

On Monday, Guilderland beat Shaker in straight sets –– 25-20, 25-21, and 25-21 to move its unbeaten streak to 5-0 in the Suburban Council. The Dutch had wins over Saratoga and Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons last week.

“We didn’t like how losing felt,” said senior Liz Tapler, who had eight kills and 13 digs against Shaker. “We mesh well on and off the court and that picked us up.”

Tapler returned to the team this season with sister seniors Renee LaFreniere, Katherine Williamson, and Mary Kelly. Sophomore Allison Van Doren, who had two aces, 17 assists, and three kills on Monday, is also a returning player.

“This is the closest knit group of girls that I’ve ever seen,” said Head Coach Jessica Allen. “They’re always looking out for one another. You can do amazing things in this game with that kind of spirit.”

Tapler told The Enterprise that spirited cheers during a match are a “booster for intensity and confidence.” The Lady Dutch will yell “click, click, boom” after a kill and “ace” after a perfect serve before running into a circle and slapping hands.

Sophomore Michaela Tersmette led the way in that department with seven kills and six aces during the match on Monday.

“It brings us together and keeps the spirits at a high level,” Tapler said. “We’re always ready.”

Allen is pleased that her team has already won six matches this year, but adds that the Dutch still have plenty of work to do.

“They should feel really good,” she said.

On Oct. 6, Guilderland will have its annual Servathon, which is a fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society. People donate a certain amount per serve and the players serve as many balls as they can in a predetermined time. The Lady Dutch were honored for raising the most money in 2009.

As for the winning streak, Allen says that it’s just one day, or one match at a time.

“I tell them to fight and have as much fun as possible,” said Allen. “This is their release after sitting in class all day.”