After taking a hard blow in the first University Athletic Association Round Robin Tournament, UR’s volleyball team returned to the court with two more weeks of practice under its belt and hoped that the second round robin would be different. Unfortunately, the Yellowjackets came out unsuccessful, going 0-4 over the weekend.
‘We had a tough weekend, but I think we learned a good deal from it,” senior outside hitter Jessica Rasmussen said. ‘I think that if we focus in on the things we know how to do and execute those skills we can avoid letting other teams go on several point runs.”
The ‘Jackets’ first match on Saturday morning was against New York University. Each game was tight up to the game point situation, but it was the Violets who eventually took the victory, 3-2 (20-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-18, 15-12). Rasmussen led the team with 12 kills in the match.
The Yellowjackets then went to battle with host Brandeis University. The Judges defeated UR in three games (25-12, 25-9, 25-12).
Early on Sunday morning, the ‘Jackets went up against Emory University, who is currently atop the UAA and ranked second in the nation in the American Volleyball Coaches Association Coaches Poll. Emory defeated the UR, 3-0, but each game was tightly played (25-19, 25-22, 25-20).
‘Playing Emory was a great opportunity,” Rasmussen said. ‘The fact that we competed and came within a couple points of them was definitely a confidence booster and proved that we can compete with those kinds of teams.”
UR’s defense showed its power in the game, as sophomore libero Tayler Schweigel had 18 digs and freshman defensive specialist Allison Marsh had 10.
In the final match, UR competed against University of Chicago, who won in four games (25-15, 20-25, 25-19, 25-16). This time junior outside hitter Emily Hunter led the team in kills with 11, while Rasmussen had 13 digs. Schweigel once again proved her defensive prowess, recording 17 digs.
UR, who is now 8-18, is seeded eighth for the UAA Championships on Nov. 7-8.
Regardless of the recent rough patch they have hit, the players put in remarkable effort.
‘Despite the tough competition, we did a good job of remaining supportive of each other, especially on the second day of conference play,” Rasmussen said.
The ‘Jackets are looking forward to improving their play.
‘In preparation for future matches we have refocused ourselves on what our team goals are and what it is we want to achieve,” Rasmussen said. ‘Remaining vocal on the court as well as maintaining consistency in siding out as well as termination will definitely help us the rest of this season.”
The Yellowjackets will be able to showcase their hard work tonight against Keuka College at 7 p.m.
This Saturday, UR will be hosting a tri-match titled ‘Dig Pink: Can you dig it?” SUNY Geneseo and SUNY Potsdam will compete in the event, which is organized to raise awareness about breast cancer. In addition, donations to support those affected with the disease will be accepted.
‘Playing for a cause like this is very humbling,” Rasmussen said. ‘The movement of fighting cancer is a cause so much greater than us. To know that we… are contributing to help raise money and awareness for those living with and affected by cancer means a great deal to our team.”
Philbrick is a member of the class of 2009.
