Seniors Bid Farewell

The Yeowomen beat Pitt-Johnson on the road

The Oberlin volleyball team ended their season Wednesday night with a loss to Bluffton College in three games; 15-8, 15-12, 15-5. The Yeowomen also lost to Urbana on Oct. 26 and split this past weekend, defeating the University of Pennsylvania Johnstown while losing to the University of the District of Columbia. The Yeowomen ended their season with an overall record of 9-18.

Wednesday not only signaled the end of the season for the Yeowomen, but also the end of the line for two players. Seniors Carrie Carter and Sarah Breon, both four-year starters, bid a tearful goodbye to a team and a sport that has been a major part of their lives.

"Sarah and Carrie's leadership have meant a lot to this team this year," coach Leeza Ramsey said. "Sarah was one of our two captains and maintained constant leadership presence on the court for us."

"Carrie was the Œunofficial' captain of the defense this year. She played the role of leader and teacher for us, making sure everyone knew what they needed to do when they were on the court," Ramsey continued.

With that in mind, the Yeowomen took the court for the last time against Bluffton College Wednesday night.

An energized crowd showed up at Philips Gymnasium, rallying behind the Yeowomen and trying to root them to victory. So energized, in fact, that a group of students stormed the gym during the third game wearing nothing but Speedos and swim caps and proceeded to do a cheer for the Yeowomen.

The Yeowomen seemed to crank up the intensity a notch against Bluffton but the added effort didn't pay off as they lost in three games; 15-8, 15-12, 15-5.

Numbers don't tell the story in this match, however. Both sides scrapped and fought for every point in the match. Players were diving left and right, digging balls that would normally drop in for points. Both sides saw players going all out, miraculously making saves that would have cost them a point. At the net, fans saw both teams flying through the air for the kill though not once did a one go uncontested. The extra effort put in on the court resulted in rallies that seemed to last an eternity, with each side finding a way to return the ball across the net.

As the third game drew to a close, one could see the emotions building up on the faces of the Oberlin seniors. While the two teams shook hands at the net, tears were forming in Breon's and Carter's eyes. When the team huddled up for their final break, not one player was left without a tear on their cheek.

"I am going to miss being with the team, playing as a team, feeling like a team," Carter said.

Breon reiterated Carter's statement. "I'm going to miss the team in general. Being with them has been great."

Not only did Wednesday's game mark the end of the season, but also the end of an era in two Yeowomen's lives.

On October 26, the Yeowomen traveled to Urbana University. Urbana, who is Division II and in the NAIA, as opposed to the NCAA, Oberlin's conference, proved to be too much for the Yeowomen, defeating them in three games; 16-14, 15-2, 15-10.

In the loss, juniors Anna Ruth and Alana Kenmore played solid offensively and defensively, both tallying 14 kills and 12 and 10 digs, respectively. First-year Darci Leonhart added 23 assists and eight digs.

Over this past weekend the Yeowomen traveled to Pennsylvania to take on UPJ and UDC. In the first match of the day, Oberlin took on UDC. Though the Yeowomen hung tough for two matches, they eventually lost in three; 15-13, 15-13, 15-6. Ruth and Kenmore again played well, racking up 10 and 12 kills respectively. Leonhart added 25 assists in the loss.

In the second match, six service aces by first-year Adrienne Zoller and five by Kenmore propelled the Yeowomen to victory in four games; 15-12, 4-15, 15-9, 15-6.

"Adrienne and Alana's serving is something we have taken for granted this year. They have done a great job serving for us," Ramsey said.

Ruth added 15 kills in the win, while Breon and Kenmore, the two team captains, led the team in digs with 14. Sophomore setter Mariana Padias set up 30 assists in the win.