The women's volleyball team blocked, set and spiked their way to the title at the Rider Classic Tournament this weekend. In three matches, the Tigers (5-1 overall) cruised through their three matches, dropping only one game in the process.
On Friday night, Princeton defeated Rider University, 3-0. On Saturday morning, the Tigers tackled Morgan State University by a 3-1 score. Finally, to claim the title, Princeton took out Fordham in straight games.
Depth certainly helped the Tigers as each person on the roster not only got playing time, but also 10 players recorded at least one kill.
"There is such depth on the team that no one's spot is set yet," senior setter Jenny Senske said.
Princeton's offense only seemed to improve as the tournament progressed. With the fiery serves contributed by Senske and junior outside hitter Jenny McReynolds, the Tigers kept their opponents from developing a rhythm and were then able to capitalize on the scoreboard. Senior hitter Lauren Grumet recorded double digits in kills for most of the matches.
On the defensive side, junior middle blocker Bayley Dixon and senior middle blocker Brittany Wood stepped up their games, deflecting hits from their opponents and providing great blocks. Meanwhile, freshman outside hitter Parker Henritze continued her impressive rookie season, producing on both offense and defense and reaching double digits in kills and digs.
On Friday night, Princeton took out the Rider squad that had defeated them last year. The Tigers won the match 30-27, 31-29 and 30-21. Grumet hit 16 kills while McReynolds saved 16 digs. It was, however, Senske who once again controlled the offense and guided the game.
Sophomore designated setter Joanna Manecki brought the third game and the match home for Princeton with a series of scathing serves. Improving their hitting average from .100 to .385 and delivering only four errors for every 19 kills, the Tigers showed everyone how they intended to play for the rest of the tournament and the rest of the year.
On Saturday morning, Princeton lost its only game of the tournament but still defeated Morgan State University. In the first game, the Tigers took out the Bears 30-17 — an easy win compared to the close games from the night before. Morgan State, however, rebounded to take the second game 30-26. Princeton, nevertheless, was not about to roll over, and the Tigers sealed the win in the last two games, 30-21 and 30-22. Henritze had a tremendous impact in the game with 19 kills and 11 digs, while Wood honed in on the Bear squad, hitting .625.
On Saturday afternoon, Princeton faced Wagner University in the title game. Though the Seahawks delivered some brutal shots, McReynolds and Henritze came to the rescue on defense with a match total of 33 digs.
On offense, Senske once again guided the Tigers to the win with a match total of 23 assists. Princeton brought back its first tournament title this season, defeating the Seahawks in straight games, 30-15, 30-27 and 30-11.
Overall, the tournament was clearly a success for the Tigers, but it also made them realize how far they need to go to become dominant not just in the region but also in the nation.
"Though we walked away champions of the tournament this weekend, I think we all realized that there is much room for improvement before the official season starts," Senske said.
Her teammates agreed, commenting on the need for stronger blocking to help them capitalize offensively.
"I would say we need to be a bit more precise on our defensive game so that we can effectively run a faster offense," Grumet said.
Before the season officially opens against Penn on Sept. 30, Princeton will look to solidify its starting lines and to firmly set its position players. With the large number of freshmen this year, head coach Glenn Nelson has more flexibility with which to manipulate the roster. Despite the strong contributions from the freshman class, the veteran seniors will be the predominant force in setting the team's rhythm this season.
"I think the team will continue to look to the seniors for the necessary drive and energy that stems from three seasons of near-victorious endings," Senske said.
Though there may be room for improvement, one thing is clear — the Tigers are on a roll and have lost only one game so far this season.
"There is a scary essence of finality for us this year," Senske said. "I think Grumet was dead-on when she said that we seniors will not be leaving without an Ivy League Championship."
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