Quakers look for Ivy title

On Nov. 7, the Penn volleyball team earned the highest rating in the history of the program -- a No. 8 Northeast Region ranking.

The Quakers now have a chance to secure the Ivy League title for the second-straight year.

After last weekend's dominant victories over Harvard and Dartmouth, the Quakers (19-4 overall, 10-1 Ivy) are firmly set in first place in the Ancient Eight -- one and a half games ahead of Harvard with only three matches left to play.

This weekend, the Red and Blue host Brown (6-5 Ivy) and Yale (6-5 Ivy), who are currently tied for fourth place in the Ivies and are out of championship contention.

While Penn's position looks to be optimal, the Red and Blue were in a similar situation last year and ultimately fell into a first-place tie with Brown.

When Penn played Brown this time last year, a victory would have secured the Quakers' sole claim to the Ancient Eight Crown.

Instead, the Red and Blue fell to the Bears, 3-1.

But Penn coach Kerry Carr vows that this year will be different.

"We still remember last year when Brown beat us," she said."We are much more focused now and are improving every day."

Carr attributes the Quakers' improvement to a more aggressive overall approach to its matches.

"Last year we played not to lose," Carr said. "This year, we play not only to win, but to dominate."

After a crucial victory over Harvard last weekend, it may be difficult for the Quakers to remain focused.

But the Red and Blue managed to "practice hard this week," focusing on the scouting reports for Brown and Yale, who have "improved a lot during the season," Carr said.

Although the Bears and Elis have improved, these are teams that the Quakers have the talent to defeat.

Penn has arguably the best offense and defense in the Ivy League.

The Quakers' offense ranks first in assists, kills and service aces, while their defense ranks first in opponent hitting percentage and digs.

The most striking statistic, however, is that while Penn's team ranks first in kills, its individual kills leader, Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan -- who is also a Daily Pennsylvanian general assignments reporter -- ranks only seventh in the Ivy League.

On the surface, this discrepancy may appear as if Penn lacks a leader in its offensive attack.

But Carr does see this statistic as a sign of weakness. Rather, she believes it speaks to the breadth of Penn's offensive attack.

"That's my favorite statistic, because it shows that our offense is so strong," Carr said.

Carr explained that by having five hitters capable of notching kills, Penn's offense, unlike that of Harvard, which revolves around Kaego Ogbechie, is incredibly hard to defend.

In contrast to previous years, when Penn's most notable characteristic was its defense, this year the Quakers possess a potent offensive attack.

"Our offense has improved a lot this year, without our defense weakening," Carr said. "Together, they provide a real winning combination."

If this "winning combination" holds this weekend, Penn will walk off the court with its second Ivy conference crown in as many years.

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