Halfway through the season, it is already clear that the women’s volleyball team will have their work cut out for them. This season will not be the dominating campaign of last year, in which the Camels went 25-3, ranking number one in New England and hosting the first weekend of the NCAA tournament. They made it to the second round before losing to powerhouse UMass Boston.
This season has been a different story. Having graduated three of their seniors, two of which took home All-American honorable, the Camels find themselves with a very young team. Only three players are upperclassmen.
While many of the current seven sophomores saw significant playing time in last year’s post-season games, they are no longer on the periphery, So far, this lack of experience in big time roles has shown. The Camels post a 7-6 record at the midpoint of the season.
But there are plenty of upsides to this season. While the team’s 7-6 overall record is strikingly mediocre compared to last year’s, they are 2-1 in NESCAC play. At home, they command an impressive 6-0 record. With only 4 home games left in the season, they must improve on the road, where they are 1-6. As the season progresses, it will be vital that Captains Anelise Hohl ’15, Melissa Kohl ’15, and Erin Barker ’14 find a way to keep the team’s confidence up away from Conn.
On the court, however, the younger players have been the standouts. Sophomore Caroline Martin has been explosive, leading the team with 116 kills. Martin has also been tremendous on defense,’ tallying 128 digs, the second most on the team. Two weeks ago she was named NESCAC Player of the Week.
She has been joined at the front of the net by two strong offensive freshmen: Chloe Ainley, who has accumulated 106 kills, and Alex McDevitt, whose deadly hitting has brought her 94 kills. Sophomore Jamie Balkin has also stepped up as the teams’ defensive specialist, leading the team with 165 digs.
Two weekends ago the team went 3-0, beating two NESCAC opponents in Wesleyan and Trinity. The second game was also a great lesson for the younger players. Trying to put the Bantams away 3-0, the Camels found themselves down by a score of 22-13 in front of their own crowd. At that point the team seemed to switch into a whole new gear going on a 11-2 run, before coming back and winning 27-25.
To improve their seasn, the Camels needs to harness that determination for every match, especially away from home, Teamwork, consistency, and confidence will be key for this young team.
