By Dominic Rapposelli
Business and Distribution Manager
Washington College volleyball played their second home tri-match at Penny J. Fall Gymnasium against Rutgers-Camden and Trinity Washington University on Saturday, Sept. 23. Earlier in the week, the Shorewomen fell to Neuman in four sets on Wednesday, Sept. 20.
WC split their tri match against their opponents falling to Rutgers-Camden in four sets and sweeping Trinity in three. While losing in the fourth, WC kept two the sets close only dropping the first and fourth sets by two points and taking them to extra points in the same sets as both teams reached twenty-five but were unable to separate by the required two points.
“It taught us that even in high intense sets, we know we have the ability to play really good volleyball,” sophomore Logan Kenny said.
Not only is the team tinkering with game-like situations, but they are also working toward team cohesion and building trust.
“We’ve also been very intentional on our mindset. Going into games we focus on positivity and trusting our skills and teammates,” Kenny said.
In the first match, Kenny picked up six kills, two aces, and a quartet of blocks, while senior Angelina Schaber picked up a match-high 16 kills.
The Shorewomen made the visiting Scarlet Raptors earn the win, going point for point and almost mounting a comeback first set.
“Even though we lost in four every set was close in score and we fought for every point,” Schaber said.
The Rutgers-Camden game also served as the Shorewomen’s white out game, where those in attendance wear white clothing. The team gave out free rally towels to visitors in what proved to be a packed attendance.
“The game versus Rutgers-Camden was one of the most fun games we’ve played so far. The fan support was amazing and we all as a team really appreciated it.” Kenny said.
Against Trinity, the Shorewomen took the contest in the third set with the visitors only scoring eight points a set at most.
The Shorewomen were able to see critical contributions from throughout the roster in the sweep. Sophomore Allison McKechnie added 13 assists in the contest. Freshman Izzy Dhiel picked up seven kills while dealing five aces. The Shorewomen also distributed a season high 22 aces in the match.
Kenny adds that seeing many contributors benefits the team. “It allowed us to deepen our bench and give everyone the confidence that whoever was on the court can get the job done,” Kenny said.
The Shorewomen will travel to Widener on Sept. 28 before traveling to Franklin and Marshall for their inaugural Centennial Conference matchup on Sept. 30.
“The Centennial Conference is very tough and there are a lot of good teams which we are super excited to play and compete against,” Schaber said. “By pushing each other in practice and taking every game as a learning experience we continue to grow in practices everyday.”
WC currently sits at 4-9 overall while boasting a 3-1 record when playing in Chestertown. The team is still looking for their first road victory.
Photo courtesy of WC Athletics
Photo Caption: Senior outside hitter Angelina Schaber spikes the ball against Rutgers-Camden.