MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- Steve Hendricks had a pensive look on his face.
Flashbacks of the season that just came to a close struck a chord.
"The way we fought back against Lewis from being 14-10 down in the fifth set," he began. "Traveling to Michigan and Chicago with the team and the bonding we all did ... those were all highlights."
Highlights in a season that finished minus an NCAA Tournament berth after the Buccaneers, which were ranked eighth in the South Region the last few weeks of the season, saved their best volleyball for last.
Barry did not receive an NCAA Tournament berth when the field was announced late Sunday night. The Buccaneers were left out behind Rollins, Christian Brothers and Clark Atlanta, the latter an automatic qualifier for winning the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
But it still didn't take away from a season that had its share of highs in a year the Buccaneers went 17-13 overall, 9-7 in the Sunshine State Conference. Barry finished fourth in the league, and improved its win total by four from a year ago.
"I'm pleased with the season and the progress of the season," Hendricks said. "We're definitely headed in the right direction.
"I want to thank the administration, sports information, athletic training room and the fans for their support this year. They had a big part in our success."
The Buccaneers went 6-2 in the last half of the conference season. They beat then-No. 2 South Region-ranked Eckerd in a five-set match at home. Barry also beat then Nos. 7-8 South Region-ranked Rollins and Florida Tech on the road.
Barry won six of seven matches at the tail end of the season. The Bucs tied for the most solo blocks (120) and service aces (120) in the league.
The Buccaneers went 3-1 at the Grand Rapids Classic at Grand Valley State, and went 11-10 in South Region matches.
"I want to thank the seniors for their commitment to the program and mentoring the underclassmen, and helping set a very solid foundation for the future," Hendricks said. "We're motivated for the future, and we understand the importance of each match to position ourselves for postseason."