The Observer, October 19, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 8
Volleyball takes two at UAA Round Robin
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The Spartans are out of the cellar. Case entered last weekend's second UAA Round Robin as the bottom-ranked squad in the conference. They left three spots higher, fifth of eight, after topping Rochester and NYU and falling to Emory and Brandeis.
Case won its first match of the tournament, beating the Rochester Yellow Jackets three games to one. "We match up well against them," said coach Karen Farrell. "They're not as tall as the other teams in the UAA." The Yellow Jackets' lack of size translated into weak blocking, which enabled the Spartans to execute a faster- paced offense. The offense was effective in part due to improved ball control. The Spartans were able to tip the ball over Yellow Jacket blockers and exploit holes in their defense. The offense was led by S.K. Piper, who had a match-high 21 kills. Piper, however, credited the defense with the win. "We really stepped up our defense, blocking-wise and 
digging-wise. Our serve receive was also really crucial during that match," said Piper. Andrea Lamont, Case's libero (a player that specializes in defensive skills), was critical to the defensive effort, with 23 digs.
The Spartans jumped out to a commanding two games to none lead over Rochester in the best of five set, dropped the third game, then came back to clinch the series in the fourth game, 30-22.
The Spartans' next match was against the Emory Eagles, who entered the tournament ranked sixth in the nation (Div. III). The Eagles held a significant height advantage. Emory's middle blockers and hitters ranged from 5'10" to 6'2", while the Spartans ranged from 5'8" to 5'11". "That makes them really tough to defend against," said Farrell.
The Eagles took the match, three games to none, but the Spartans made them earn every point. "They have some of the best players in the country and we were able to hang in there with them," said Farrell. The first game was typical of the match. Emory jumped out to a 4-0 lead. "We need to work on coming out of the gate stronger," said Farrell. The Spartans came back and led the game 12-11, but after that point, the Eagles shifted into a higher gear and won the game 30-22. "I think we were really pumped to play. It is a great feeling to give the sixth-ranked team in the country a run for their money," said outside hitter Elise Snell.
The Spartan's next match was against New York University Violets, a team that has been nationally ranked in previous years. Case won the match, three games to one. "We proved that with hard work and some building we have potential to be one of those programs respected in Div. III volleyball," said Snell. NYU seemed to be taken by surprise by the consistent, strong effort put forth by the Spartans.
The Violets were unable to exploit their size advantage; middle blocker Julia Rickert towers at 6'3" and outside hitter Adrienne Spohr is 6'0". The Spartans were able to capitalize on strong serving and Violet passing errors. Outside hitter Beth Karpinski had a double-double, pounding in 14 kills and 20 digs. She also had two aces.
Middle blocker Cassandra McFadden suffered a knee injury that became apparent during the match. The extent of her injury is unknown. "It affects the team to have her unavailable," said Farrell.
Case suffered a three games to none sweep at the hands of the Brandeis Judges. The Judges' outside hitters dominated the Spartans. "They were very tall and they hit very hard," said Farrell. Brandeis jumped out to an early lead and stayed ahead, winning the three games by scores of 30-19, 30-27, and 30-24. The Judges, now ranked third in the UAA, had their entire roster return for the 2007 season. Brandeis' talented squad wasn't the entire story; the Spartans' defense did not play well in the match. "When you give good hitters a poorly placed block, it's like handing them a kill and saying 'Merry Christmas,"' said Piper.
The victory over NYU gave the Spartans their 12th win of the year, equaling last year's total, with eight matches still remaining. "We've shown great improvement, in the conference and regionally," said Farrell.
