You could hear the sound of the Earlham Goliath marching towards Denison College all the way from its Indiana homestead. It was a day of competition against Earlham and Denison. It was a day that featured matches against three teams. As the gargantuan drew near Oberlin the Yeowomen were ready, not just for the game, but for their first victory of the year.
Earlham was able to jump out to a quick two game lead, defeating the Yeowomen 30-20 and 30-23. It was looking that the third set would be easy to capture as they went up 24-1. Yet, out of the hazy mists of Oberlin, the Oberlin College volleyball team was able to battle back and win the game 30-25. As the team began to understand the fact that they had battled back, that they had persevered, they understood that it was possible to win. The next set was won 31-29, then as if a rock had been slung and smashed into the head of the Earlham giant, Oberlin smashed them in the final game 15-12, moving on to victory.
The Yeowomen sent Earlham packing back to the state of Indiana. Oberlin Head Coach Kristen Surovjak, in tears of pleasure, congratulated the women and attempted to prepare them for the rest of the season. The most crucial victory was accomplished.
As first-year Laura Wallerstein said, “This was right before the second half of the season; it foreshadows the rest of the season for us.”
The feeling that it is possible to play any team after this great victory has splashed through the team like a cool drink after wandering through a desert of losses.
Earlier in the day the Yeowomen had battled Denison College. There they were locked in intense play against a team that has witnessed its own pitfalls throughout the season. The Yeowomen fell 30-10, 30-16 and 30-19. However, the scores do not tell the tale of how these bumps, sets, serves and kills prepared them for Earlham. This competition readied them to lock in mortal combat for a victory that serves as not only a physical accomplishment but as a moral one.
Sophomore Tessa Stevens, an avid Oberlin College Volleyball fan said, “I think they have heart, and they look good in spandex.” To this Wallerstein agreed and said “spandex, all spandex.”
With the Earlham gargantuan defeated, it was time to turn and face the problems presented by Hiram College. Coming off the incredible victory it was difficult for the team to get their footing. They slipped through the first set and fell 30-14. After picking themselves up they were ready to try again, yet, they were repulsed by an onslaught of Hiram serves and again fell 30-19. Then the possible end of the match confronted the Yeowomen, as they fought valiantly they were again denied a win during this match and fell, but this time they made Hiram work, 30-27.
Wallerstein said that it was a difficult loss on Adrienne Zoeller’s birthday. This was a day that was meant to be for cheer and celebration, and in this case, volleyball. While the loss was troubling and difficult to deal with, these athletes are going to keep trying until they are not only successful but also victorious.
Oberlin will take on Thiel College and Albion College at home this Saturday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. in Philips Gymnasium.