2005 Season Preview
The Swarthmore volleyball team has set their sights on a Centennial Conference playoff spot this fall. Returning five starters, the Garnet are poised to build upon recent success, including the 2004 Garnet Classic championship title.
The 2005 squad will turn to a strong group of veterans to lead the program to the next level. Senior setter Emily Conlon (Marlborough, C.T.), top-20 all-time in conference career assists, senior libero Patrice Berry (Hagerstown, M.D.), and junior outside hitter Erica George (Phoenix, A.Z.) lead a Garnet squad that prides itself on disciplined team defense. In 2004 Swarthmore averaged almost two blocks per game (second best in the conference) and more than 20 digs per game(third best in the C.C.).
"We are fortunate to be returning a fantastic group of women. Their work ethic, team chemistry, and love of the game will fuel success on and off the court," said fourth-year head coach Harleigh Leach.
Conlon, a two-year captain and all-conference honorable mention selection in 2003, led the team in assists (777) and service aces (51) last fall. Berry, the defensive backbone of the squad, holds every school records for digs and will join Conlon and George as tri-captains. George had a breakout year in 2004, leading the Garnet attack with 313 kills (a 3.32 kills-per-game average), and 422 digs (4.4 per game), the only player in the conference to rank in the top ten in both categories. George earned accolades throughout the fall, including All-Conference honorable mention, Garnet Classic most valuable player, and Seven Sisters All-Tournament.
The sophomore duo of middle blockers Karen Berk (Havertown, P.A.) and Vanessa Wells (Chicago, I.L.) provide size at the net and look to grow as defensive and offensive threats in the front row. Throw outside hitter Katie Gold '08 (Cherry Hill, N.J.) into the mix, and the sophomore class can dominate at the net. Junior opposite Stephanie Koskowich (Pleasanton, C.A.), a conference Academic Honor Roll selection, will valuable contributer with her aggressive serving, high energy, and consistent play on the right side of the court.
The other pieces of the pie - seniors middle blocker Krista Spiller (Philadelphia, P.A.) and outside hitters Darcy Nelson (Los Altos, C.A.) and Yaprak Sariisik (Katahya, Turkey) - will make significant contributions, providing leadership and depth to the squad. A talented group of first-years, including Jennifer Wang (Palo Alto, C.A.), Erin Heaney (Buffalo, N.Y.), Kristin Caspar (Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.), and Madeleine Case (San Carlos, C.A.), look to make an immediate impact and propel the Garnet into conference playoff contention.