The Hopkins Volleyball Team had a very busy week, playing two matches on the road and then competing in the Salisbury Tournament over the weekend. The Jays went 3-3 overall, and 2-2 in the tournament to improve to 11-12 overall for the season.
On Oct. 3, the Jays played Bryn Mawr, easily sweeping the opposing team, 3-0. Junior middle Elisabeth Breese had a team-high 15 kills and four blocks, while senior outside hitter Emily Miller, playing in just two of the three games, compiled 11 kills.
The freshmen got a chance to shine in the match, with setter Betsy Baydala leading the way. She totaled 26 assists and four kills, while defensive specialists Erin Trish and Cat Albright both tied for the team high in digs, with eight apiece. The upperclassmen were and continue to be impressed by the freshmen on the team.
Breese, commenting on the freshmen, said, "We [the upperclassmen] count on them for the fresh new skills and enthusiasm they bring to the game. It can be really tough being thrown into a situation where you. find yourself starting.but they've done a fabulous job, both on and off the court, at handling the pressure."
The tables were turned on Oct. 4 as Hopkins was beaten by Haverford in three straight games. Many players posted impressive numbers, but it was not enough to overcome the Fords, who beat the Jays for the first time in 12 years.
Freshman outside hitter Betsy Farmer had a team, and career high 10 kills, while Breese was second with six. Defense was the order of the day, with Miller, Baydala and Trish leading the way with 16, 14 and 12 digs, respectively. Unfortunately, it just was not enough against a strong Haverford squad.
On October 5-6, the Jays traveled to Salisbury, going 1-1 on both days and eventually placing second against the home team, Salisbury.
On Friday, Hopkins beat Villa Julie 3-1, and then lost to Salisbury 3-1. On Saturday, the Jays beat Neumann 3-1, but lost the finals against Salisbury, again with a 3-1 decision.
Miller and junior middle Sarah Payne shone, as Miller got 43 kills and 74 digs, while Payne added 34 kills. Both received all-tournament honors. Breese also totaled 50 kills and 16 blocks, while Baydala rounded out the statistics with 126 assists and 48 digs.
The six games that the Jays played last week affirm the fact that the team continues to meet the challenge of bonding as a group even with the large pool of new faces. Elisabeth Breese commented, "Personally, I think that our team has done a terrific job of rising to the challenge. There's definitely a level of mutual respect [between the upperclassmen and freshmen]."
The Jays had a game at home Wednesday, Oct. 10, against the Washington College Shorewomen. This game began a streak of six consecutive Centennial Conference matches for the Blue Jays, games which will help to determine the rankings as the Jays enter the conference championships in November.
On Saturday, Oct. 13, the Jays will play in a tri-match against Dickinson and Ursinus, at Ursinus College.
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