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Princeton University Athletics
Princeton women's volleyball prepares for 2004 Ivy run
July 20, 2004 | Women's Volleyball
July 20, 2004
The Princeton women's volleyball team is looking to take back the Ivy League title in 2004. Having graduating only one starter, the Tigers' season looks very promising. Although the graduated starter is Kellie Cramm, former Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Ivy selection, the team still has a full arsenal of players.
Leading the offense will be senior Alex Brown and junior outside hitter Lauren Grumet, who both earned first-team All-Ivy recognition last year. Brown is an amazingly quick and versatile middle blocker who combines agility and quick thinking to overpower blocks and place balls where there are no diggers. Setter Jenny Senske will look to Brown for crunch time kills. Grumet will be the go-to outside hitter, who hits a heavy ball and is proficient in tooling the opponents' block. A defensively solid player, Grumet will be all over the court. Senske returns to direct the offense and sophomore libero Jenny McReynolds returns to control the defense. Both Senske and McReynolds earned honorable mention All-Ivy nods for their league leading numbers. Senske posted the second most assists and assists/game in the league in 2003 and McReynolds decisively led the league in digs with 5.47/game.
Senior Ashley Weber and junior Brittany Wood round out the returning starters. Last year Weber moved positions from outside hitter to right side hitter. Gaining confidence by the end of the season, the Tigers will look to Ashley to continue growing into the position and become an even better blocker and offensive weapon. Wood has proven to be a consistently solid blocker. She reads the ball and locates the hitter very well. Her hitting and incredible defensive skills will attribute to a winning season.
Senior Lauren Loban will fight for playing time on the outside, as the starting position opens up. With her strong defensive and passing skills, as well as great ball placement, she is a strong candidate for starting outside hitter. The Tigers will also look to senior Catie Draper for help on the right side. With her excellent blocking abilities it is likely she will see playing time to defend against the opposing outside hitters. Other returners include sophomore middle blocker Bayley Dixon, who brings heat off the quick set, and sophomore libero Joanna Mandecki, who is a consistent and aggressive defender.
The Tigers are also looking forward to great things from their three incoming freshmen. Emily Turner, Alison Hess, and Rochelle Murray all have the components necessary for helping the team win the Ivy League for the 13th time in 28 years.