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The Spectator
Volleyball Developing Talent
by Riley Smith '12Sports Writer
October 30, 2009
In the first day of the Continental Classic, the women's volleyball team split its games, sweeping Ana Maria College and securing a victory after falling earlier that day to Messiah College. Despite their Friday night win, the Continentals were unable to continue the streak Saturday, ultimately falling to tournament champions St. Lawrence and then Medaille College in a hard-fought five set match.
In the win against Ana Maria College, Ally Martella '13 shook things up with her season high 12 kills and 11 digs. Martella's third ace on match point secured the victory in the final set. Cecile Pikus '13 contributed 30 assists helping the team along to an easy win.
Captain Alex Singh '11 commented on the importance of their win against Ana Maria, explaining "the Continental Classic allowed our team during the Ana Maria game to run as many plays as possible on offense, which resulted in an elevated level of play."
Head Coach Erin Reding also said that "the girls played very well against Anna Maria and I was happy that they were running play sets against the team as much as they could."
While the Saturday losses were disappointing, Reding believed "it was a tough five match loss to Medaille, but the girls fought hard throughout the entire game. We need to continue to improve upon our mental lapses during tough competition."
In the match against Medaille, Martella '13 recorded a team-high 12 kills, served two aces and contributed nine digs. Amanda Cohen '13 was named to the All-Tournament-Team and led the defense with a team high 12 digs and nine kills. The team viewed the Continental Classic as an excellent opportunity to compete against a variety of opponents and tried to put the season in perspective, focusing on the drastic improvement since the beginning of the season rather on a discouraging record.
Reding remains confident in the ability and talent on the team, stating, "there is not a doubt in my mind that if we start off next season the way we are playing, we are going to be really competitive against a lot of good teams. The talent on the team is incredible and I am seeing the girls do things they couldn't or didn't do at the beginning of the season."
Women's volleyball heads into their final weekend competing against NESCAC teams Bates and Colby.
Singh said, "the team is really excited for our final games. We continue to work hard every day in practice, focusing on the serve receive, so that our offense is as dynamic as possible."
To prepare for the upcoming games Hamilton has been studying game film of Colby and Bates and are basing their practices on strategies that will help them execute against both teams. The Continentals are participating this week in a fundraiser for breast cancer through an organization called "Dig Pink" which works exclusively with volleyball teams to help raise awareness and money. The team will be selling raffle tickets, t-shirts and accepting donations at the upcoming games this weekend. Please come out and support your Continentals and the fight against breast cancer at their last home games on Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. vs. Colby and Oct. 31 at 11. a.m. against Bates College in the Scott Field House.