Nothing like six straight wins to make you forget an opening day loss.
After losing to St. John's in the first match of the season, women's volleyball has rebounded to post a 6-0 record against non-conference opponents, capped this weekend by victories over Long Island and Juniata at Dillon Gym.
Friday against LIU, Princeton (6-1 overall) had an obstacle to hurdle before the game even started. Junior setter Kerry Song did not dress after complications following Ivy Club pick-ups that afternoon. Junior Marissa Becker started in her place, and the Tigers rolled to a 3-1 (23-30, 30-19, 30-17, 30-26) victory over the visiting Blackbirds (9-9).
Junior outside hitter Kellie Cramm led the offense for Princeton, blasting 20 kills. Senior outside hitter Michelle Buffum added 15 and senior middle blocker Abby Studer contributed 11. Freshman setter Jenny Senske continued her generous ways, dishing out 53 assists.
Juniata did not get a warm reception either, as the Tigers ran them out of Dillon Saturday afternoon with a 3-1 (30-25, 25-30, 30-18, 30-27) win.
Song was back in action against the Eagles, but it was Cramm who took center stage for Princeton again, racking up a game-high 28 kills.
"I think each of the games we lost were mental lapses," Cramm said. "We showed moments of brilliance this weekend, but things are still being sorted out."
Since losing 3-0 to the Red Storm September 13, the Tigers have won 18 of 20 games in their six matches.
"Each match is a little bit smoother and we play a little more together," Senske said. "The past two matches we demonstrated our effectiveness in being able to really finish matches, even when we're down a game."
This Friday Princeton travels to Penn to begin the Ivy League season with five straight conference road games, and the Tigers believe they are more than ready.
"Things seem to be improving every time we step on the court," Cramm said. "I think if we can play with the same confidence we had at the end of the Juniata game when we take on Penn this weekend, we should be in good shape. Penn is going to be a tough Ivy League opener, but the team is excited."
"We are fortunate to have a great offense," Senske said, "which is getting stronger each time we play. But our defense is what is going to win us games."
Why stop at six straight?
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