Disappointing end for Blue Jays Volleyball

After coming off a record setting season, the Hopkins women’s volleyball team entered Friday evening's first round match-up with high expectations. Unfortunately the Blue Jays season came to an abrupt end after a disappointing five set thriller. Hopkins was dispatched (25-19, 15-25, 25-21, 23-25, 14-16) by Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. From the onset, the Blue Jays were dominant as sophomore Megan Cohan tallied three kills and three blocks. Hopkins won a series of important rallies that were led by freshman Jasmine Warmington and sophomore Ellen Rogers to extend their lead to 17-13 in the first. The Blue Jays finished off the set with an incredible dig from Amelia Thomas to win 25-19. In the second set Richard Stockton rebounded, coming out on fire to take a 15-7 lead. Even two team timeouts taken by head coach Matt Troy could not suppress the Osprey’s run as they went on to win 25-15 with .636 hitting percentage. Richard Stockton carried the momentum into the third set taking a 15-8 lead to start. However, after a timeout the Blue Jays went on a clutch 8-0 run led by Rogers. She was a key contributor for Hopkins the entire match, tallying a career high 20 kills. The Blue Jays finished out the set 25-21 to take a 2-1 lead in the match. The fourth set was back and forth the whole way as the lead changed seven times. Unfortunately, Stockton’s Nicole Serekian was too much of a force, recording nine kills in the set to lead the Ospreys to a tense 25-23 fourth set win. Not only did the Blue Jays lose the set, but were forced to enter the fifth and final deciding set without their second leading hitter sophomore Katie Schwarz due to injury. The fifth set did not stop the back and forth play, as the Blue Jays traded the lead eight times. The Blue Jays seemed destined for victory as they held a 14-12 lead, but the Ospreys fired back with four straight points to win the match 16-14 and advance to NCAA’s Second Round. The Ospreys were led by Serekian and Stephanie Warner who each tallied 22 kills. The Blue Jays’ freshman Carolyn Zin and sophomore Mariel Metalios combined for 47 assists. Warmington added 14 kills for Hopkins. Nonetheless it seemed head coach Matt Troy was proud. "I think it was obvious in the match Hopkins gave it everything they had. Towards the end there was a lot of passion and I'm very pleased." Even with the loss Warmington and fellow freshman Gabi Rothman were able to express pride in their team’s ability to repeat as conference champs even after suffering some untimely losses. Warmington commented, “I’m so proud of my team for being able to fight regardless of the situation.” Though the loss is undoubtedly disappointing, Hopkins has a bright future. Earlier in the week, Warmington was named the Centennial Conference Player of the Year along with Rookie of the Year. “I’m so honored to be considered the Conference Player of the Tear. I hope to continue performing for my team in the years to come.” By leading the conference in total kills, kills per set and total points Warmington became only the third Blue Jay in history to win Conference Player of the Year. As the week progressed the awards continued to pile up for Warmington who became the first Blue Jay to receive the AVCA Division III Mid-Atlantic Region Freshman of the Year award and only the second player in conference history to win the award. She was also one of only two freshmen in the region to earn a spot on Mid Atlantic First Team. Warmington’s success could certainly be credited in her ability to learn quickly. “The most important thing I learned was that it doesn’t matter what game it is or what the score is, you have to give your team your all.” Warmington also credits much of her success to her team, stating, “The sport goes beyond the individual, you have to play for each other.” With such a regard for those around her, Warmington’s success is certain to continue in the coming years. Also joining Warmington on the All-Centennial Conference team are Thomas and Schwarz. Metalios and Rogers were also named to the 2012 Capital One Academic All-District Volleyball team. The pair became the first Hopkins volleyball players along with the first sophomores in school history to receive the award. Metalios is a public health major with a minor in global environmental global change who currently boasts a 3.80 GPA. The native of Huntington, NY is second on the team in assists and service aces. Rogers, a native of Macedonia, OH holds a 3.74 GPA as a double major in economics and international studies while also pursuing a minor in financial economics. Rogers led the team in blocks per set. Though the Blue Jays season ended with disappointment, Hopkins has a bright future to look towards. The team loses only three seniors while returning six sophomore and two freshmen who logged time in all five sets during Friday’s match. The frustrating loss already has the girls motivated for next year. Hopkins will certainly look to build on their success this season. Warmington simply stated “We want that title!” With such high aspirations and a limitless supply of talent, Hopkins looks primed for success in the coming seasons.