By Chrissy Segrest
Elm Staff Writer
The middle of the fall semester is bittersweet for athletes, as for some it marks the last time they can wear the Washington College uniform. Seniors Kaitlyn Marino and Lizzie Baden had their last game of the collegiate career on Saturday, Oct. 27 against Muhlenberg College in a home match.
Marino, an outside hitter from Redding Connecticut, has a bright future ahead of her. A biology and psychology double major, she plans on furthering her future studies in behavioral neuroscience. At WC, Marino has been crucial to the success of the volleyball team since stepping on the court as a freshman.
A two-time All Centennial Conference selection, all academic centennial selection, academic honor roll selection, and team MVP, those behind her have big shoes to fill. On the court, Marino has been top three for kills per set since a freshman, averaging 2.59. With 836 kills and 601 digs, her game statistics are one of the highest in the game.
Baden, a pin hitter from Severna Park and future lawyer, is leaving a huge impact on the volleyball team. Playing in 278 sets in her career, and taking on 1,682 total attempts, Baden’s accomplishments have been beneficial to the advancement of WC volleyball.
For her teammates, the best part about Baden is the presence she brings to the court
“[She is] always cheering, always smiling, and always ready for whatever comes her way,” sophomore pin hitter Laura Cochrane said. “Baden exuberates happiness, she brings out the best in everyone because of how she presents herself. If you’re having a bad day on the court, she wants to help. If you’re having a bad day off the court, she wants to help. Z helps to define what it means to be a great teammate.”
Even though the senior night game didn’t end under the win column, it was an exciting match from start to finish.
In the first set, the Mules trailed 22-21, but were able to win out the remaining four points after a kill from sophomore Abby Smith.
The second set started with Muhlenberg College leading 16-14 before going on a 9-4 run to close out the match at 25-18. The Shorewomen were leading 22-19 in the third set, before the Mules were able to go on a nine-point shutout to win 25-22.
On the night, freshman Lauren Zedlar had 15 assists and a match best 11 digs, while fellow freshman Jensyn Hartzell and Jenny Kabrick had 12 assists and ten digs respectively. Baden, Marino, junior Cassie Kowalski, and sophomore Isabella Sansanelli all had six kills on contest.
Zedlar finished the season with eight double-doubles, to lead the team.
The match ended 3-0, with the Mules taking the win.