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Princeton University Athletics
Players Mentioned
Volleyball Looks To Carry Late Momentum Into 2010 Season; Video Included
August 31, 2010 | Women's Volleyball
After a tough start to the 2009 season, the Princeton women's volleyball team rallied around new coach Jolie Ward to fight back to third place in the Ivy League standings. Heading into the 2010 season, Ward is hoping that late momentum and a better team chemistry will lead to an even higher finish this upcoming season.
Ward replaced longtime coach Glenn Nelson prior to last season, and the Tigers struggled mightily out of the gate. Princeton was 2-11 after a loss at Yale on Oct. 9 and was already two games out of the Ivy League lead before the first full weekend had ended. The players, especially those who knew they would have another chance next season, had every opportunity to write off the rest of the season.
Instead, they came together and won eight of their final 10 to finish 9-5 in the league. That success carried into a dedicated and productive spring season, and has transferred again to the 2010 preseason. Now Ward is hoping the victories will be there early in 2010, which starts this weekend at the Lafayette Tournament and will include a trip to Happy Valley for a meeting with three-time NCAA champion Penn State.
While there are several key returners for the 2010 Princeton team, Ward's earliest concern will be replacing the production from All-Ivy outside hitter Sheena Donohue. The 2009 co-captain led the Tigers with more than four kills per set and also recorded a team-best 4.0 digs per set. More than any numbers, though, she was clearly the most trusted hitter in important situations.
That role will likely go to sophomore Lydia Rudnick, who ranked second on the team with 3.4 kills per set last season. Rudnick's game progressed throughout her freshman season, and she even earned Ivy League Rookie of the Week honors once during the conference season. Now she will need to be a leader on the floor, and Ward has already seen those qualities begin to come out.
The other outside starting position will likely be determined by performances during the three season-opening tournaments. Several freshmen, including Sydney Brombal, Chelsea Parker and Christine Renschler, will be vying for the position. Senior co-captain C.C. Lobben could also factor into the mix, and her serving skills make her an additional weapon for Ward during close sets.
The middle position is more secure this early in the season, with both Cathyn Quinn and Liz McStravick returning. Quinn is one of two multiple-year starters on the team, and her .274 attack percentage led the program in 2009. She averaged more than 2.5 kills per set and has a good chemistry with both potential setters. She is a versatile offensive weapon who could move to the rightside position if that best fit the offense. With the loss of Donohue, Quinn will become an even more important piece of the Princeton offense.
McStravick, another co-captain, earned the most playing time in her career last season and rewarded the coaching staff with a team-best 100 blocks (49 solo). While the coaching staff would like to see a more consistent offensive attack from her, McStravick's role on the team extends far beyond the court. Her work ethic and dedication to the program is exactly what Ward hopes her five-deep freshman class will emulate as they begin their Princeton careers.
Sophomore Jennifer Palmquist saw limited time last season, but her confidence improved greatly through the spring and into the preseason. She will add reliable depth at the position and could become a starter if Ward chooses to move Quinn to the right side. Otherwise, expect those battling for the second outside starting position to also vie for the rightside starting spot. Freshman Leah Jordan is also in the mix at the middle position.
The other two-year starter on the team is Hillary Ford, who averaged 3.8 digs per set last season at libero. While the offense continues to gel, she will be crucial in keeping plays alive and giving the team added opportunities to score. Seniors Lobben and Carola Hernandez, as well as freshman Kelsey Janke, will also compete for time there.
Junior Michaela Venuti and sophomore Molly Bagshaw split time at the setter spot last season, and they remain in close competition this season. Both averaged around 10 assists per set, and Ward is hoping that the extended competition will leave both players sharp when the season starts.