Volleyball finally earns first win

By Jason Nagata

The Daily Pennsylvanian

After earning its first win this season in Fullerton, Calif., the Penn women's volleyball team celebrated California style: with a trip to the beach feasting on In-n-Out burgers.

At the Holiday Inn Buena Park Fullerton Classic last weekend, the Quakers fell to San Diego State on Friday afternoon, 0-3, and to Cal State Fullerton, 3-1, on Saturday morning. However, the Red and Blue (1-5) emerged victorious over Lipscomb, 3-0, later that afternoon.

The team's improvement during the tournament was key to Penn's first season victory.

"We learned to communicate well and keep a positive attitude as the weekend progressed," Penn coach Kerry Carr said. "It wasn't anything physical; we just learned not to let a negative attitude lead us to a downward spiral."

By Saturday afternoon, the Quakers kept a positive enough attitude to sweep the Lady Bison, 30-18, 30-27 and 30-23. Penn started its first two games with strong leads, 8-0 and 5-0, respectively.

Aside from the team's demeanor, the key to success was defense, according to Carr.

"We figured out how to get defensive discipline," she said. "We were able to keep our energy levels up and are beginning to look like a very scrappy defensive team."

Junior Anna Shlimak and seniors Meredith Damore and Liz Hurst each tallied double-digit digits, with 14, 16 and 14, respectively. As a team, the Quakers posted 14 blocks and freshman Natalie Drucker recorded three solos and six assists in blocks.

"Almost everyone on the team got playing time," Carr said. "We were able to relate with each other mentally very well."

Junior setter Linda Zhang made the all-tournament team, but also went down with a knee injury. The extent of the injury has not yet been determined.

"I'm just trying to stay positive and hope for the best," Zhang said about her injury.

The emphasis on communication and keeping a positive attitude will continue throughout the season, especially this weekend at the home Sheraton-Penn Invitational.

"We definitely improved from the first day at the tournament, especially in terms of communication," Zhang said. "We turned negative thinking into positive thinking."

The Quakers will host and face Binghamton, Quinnipiac and Fairleigh Dickinson this Saturday and Sunday at the Palestra.

"This week we will be working on our offense: hitting and serving," Carr said.

After traveling across the country in a rough tournament schedule, from North Carolina to California, the Red and Blue is now ready to face teams in its own gym.

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