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PHOTO COURTESY OF ELOM ATHLETICS
AN ITALIAN FLAVOR
During their visit to San Marino, the
Phoenix played Ozzano’s cluh team. Oz-
zano has beaten every U.S. college team that
has played them in the last three years. Gi
ulia Grasso, Ozzano’s middle blocker, said
Elon was the best team she faced out of all
of them.
“The Phoenix players were not happy
about the way they played, but they’re learn
ing and adjusting,” said Elon associate pro
fessor Glenn Scott, who traveled with the
team throughout Italy. “This is way outside
their routine — just as it should be on a
journey like this.”
On May 30, the Phoenix stopped in Bo
logna, then made their way to the Tuscany
region of Italy. After their third match of
the trip against Montesport’s club team, the
team visited Cinque Terre and Porto Venere.
“Porto Venere was the perfect place to
visit after walking around Florence for an
entire day,” Head said. “While in Florence,
I was surrounded by churches, statues, res
taurants, stores and lots of people. In Porto
Venere, I was surrounded by salt water, a sea
breeze and spectacular views of the Medi
terranean Sea. Visiting there was like taking
a breath of fresh air.”
Against Montesport, the Phoenix fell
3-1 after struggling with ball control in the
first set. They found a better tempo in the
third set and tested Montesport in the club’s
first official match.
The team returned to Milan to play its
fourth and final match after a few days in
Cinque Terre. The matchup came against
Regalati di Sorriso, a club team at the level
just below the professional ranks in Milan.
On the final day of the trip, the Phoenix
visited the ever-popular Leaning Tower of
Pisa.
“I think Pisa was probably my favorite
day,” Head said. “I never knew exactly what
the Leaning Tower looked like because I
had only seen it in pictures.To me, it seemed
smaller than I expected, but considering
what the tower has been through, and it is
still standing, is awesome in itself”
The women’s vollevball team toured
eight cities in 10 days during
their trip and completed their
experiential learning require
ment with the course Travel
Writing in Italy. Scott led
the class, which provided •
academic instruction and
activity during their ex
ploration of the country.
“Travel Writing in
Italy taught us how
J O
to publicize our feelings about the trip,” said
sophomore outside hitter Megan Gravley.
“It’s kind of cool to be able to look back at
our blog and reminisce.”