It may be true, what some people say: history does like to repeat itself. For the second year in a row, the Wooster volleyball team found themselves struggling with the first few weeks of their season, posting a 2-6 record through last week. And for the second year in a row, they flipped a switch, turning in two consecutive wins at home on Friday to up their record to 4-6, just in time for the first conference match of the season against Hiram College.
Their first opponent Friday was Otterbein, who they beat in three games (25-21, 25-22, 25-18), led by Abbie Casey ’09, Megan Earle ’09 and KateLynn Riley ’10, who each earned nine kills. Ali Drushal ’09, who continues her reign on the record board, added 25 more digs, and Sarah Hawke ’12, and Sarah Lorch ’10 defended the net for one solo block and 11 assists.
For the Scots, winning the first game was exciting, but winning the second was proof positive that something is different now. After taking down Otterbein, the women faced Ursuline, who fought Wooster through a four-game series (25-20, 25-8, 18-25, 25-16) that finally ended with triumph for the home team. Again, Riley put up big numbers, nailing 18 kills on 35 attempts, followed closed by Earle with 11, and Lizzie Beal ’12 with six. On the back row, Drushal again posted enormous numbers, with a season-high 39 digs (her last of the game being her 2,584th career dig, only 106 away from the NCAC record), assisted in a big way by Abby Jensen ’11 (21 digs), Amanda Gottesman ’11 (15), and Earle (18).
“It felt great to win at home after being away for two weeks in a row, especially in front of the great crowd that we had,” said Drushal, who made particular note to thank those who attended for their support.
All in all, the weekend showed Wooster’s path forward out of a frustrating first few matches. “The first two weekends were both adjustment periods, really getting comfortable playing with each other since we have so many new faces on the team this year. This weekend showed we know how to dominate and we can accomplish goals when we all have the same mindset and determination to do so,” said Jensen.
One of the fundamental factors seemed to be the very interaction between teammates, with Jensen noting that “communication was noticeably different this weekend than the past two.”
Whatever the change is, the wins have made a difference themselves, with the team getting a week to stand firm in their performances and build confidence towards their next road match against NCAC opponent Hiram College on Friday at 4:30.
Last season, the team played the conference powerhouse three times, and came up short all three times. During the regular season, the team lost at home in September 30-28, 26-30, 26-30 and 22-30 and lost on the road 26-30, 20-30 and 24-30 in October. Both of these teams played against each other again in the NCAC Tournament, and again the Scots couldn’t break out against the Terriers, this time losing 24-30, 21-30 and 25-30. If the Scots are to challenge for the conference crown, they will have to get even against the Terriers.
While Hiram poses a stiff test, the players are ready for it. Excitement has already begun to build among the players, who are anticipating a good, competitive match.
Drushal says it very well. “Hiram is always tough, but we are ready for them and I can’t wait to start conference play. It is when the fun really begins,” she said.
After the game Sept. 19 at 4:30 p.m. against Hiram, the team has another home match against Allegheny on Sept. 3 at 7 p.m.
Additional reporting was contributed by Sports Editor Andrew Vogel.