Volleyball team good enough, strong enough, rolling along

The definition of 'an impressive start' differs for each fan. Even so, it's hard to argue that the Oberlin volleyball team - whose victories so far this season already exceed the total amassed during their entire 1998 campaign - is off to anything but.

Oberlin went into their own Oberlin/Country Hearth Invitational last Friday and Saturday in high spirits. The Yeospikers kept the morale rolling as they swept all three teams they played in the round-robin portion of the tourney. Bethany, Franklin, and Notre Dame of Ohio all fell three games to none. Statistics on the semi-finals and finals were unavailable at press time.

Under the leadership of junior captain Sarah Breon, the team is really excited about their chemistry and continue looking forward to a great year. "We have jelled a lot quicker than last year," said junior Carrie Carter, who plays the middle hitter spot on the team.

"The freshman have really stepped up," Breon added. The new class seems to bring a very positive presence to the team, filling several key positions. This year, unlike the past years, the team has an official setter in first-year Mariana Padias. Fellow first-years Katie Gass, playing the right side position, and Alana Kenmore, are really a large part of the team according to many of the players.

Head Coach Suzanne Garland describes Kenmore as an inspirational floor leader. Breon admits that she is a fairly quiet person who leads more by actions and body language than by words, while Kenmore is the person who usually steps up and does most of the talking. Breon is really happy about the way they interact.

The class of 2003 was key in keeping Oberlin close to John Carroll in their match on Wednesday. Kenmore had a team-high 14 kills while Padias made 41 out of 51 sets for the team. After losing the first two games 9-15 and 8-15, Oberlin battled back with 15-10 and 15-13 wins before losing the match in the fifth game 15-9. Oberlin currently stands at 4-3 overall for the season. They have yet to play a game against a conference opponent.

"We have come a long way," said Kenmore, " and we need to maintain the level we know we can reach." The team is clearly geared up for a successful season, and ready to make a name for themselves.

The women play Ohio Northern at home Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.