Volleyball Set to Turn Things Around

Author: Bryan Goldberg

The Middlebury women's volleyball team will play host this weekend to a New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) invitational tournament and square off against rivals Wesleyan (Friday), Trinity (Saturday) and Connecticut College (Saturday). All three of these matchups will be crucial if the Panthers, currently 7-9, want to continue their streak of six winning seasons. The Middlebury women are hoping to rebound after a disappointing Tufts tournament in which they suffered three defeats, all of them in four games and all of them against NESCAC rivals.
The streaky Panthers, who began last week with a win against St. Michael's and a loss at Skidmore, have gone several years without losing five straight matches, and they are confident that this one will be no exception. Senior captain Evan Kanaly, who, along with Katie Kenney '03, will be playing in her final home game, described the mood as "optimistic," heading into the tournament. "These are three matchups that we can win, and we look forward to playing in front of the home crowd."
Friday night's game against Wesleyan may prove to be the most exciting of the tournament, as the much improved Panthers seek revenge for last year's loss. The Saturday afternoon showdowns featuring Connecticut College and Trinity are also must-wins, as only eight NESCAC squads will be invited to compete in the season ending tournament.
The Panthers have participated in the last five NESCAC tournaments, winning the title in both 1997 and 1998. They will need at least one victory this weekend if they hope to make another appearance. Hamilton and Williams will also participate in this weekend's homecoming tournament, though they will not be facing the Panthers.
This weekend's action will take place at Pepin Gymnasium on Friday at 6 p.m and Saturday at 1 p.m. A homecoming crowd is expected to fill the bleachers.