Capital serves up 16-14 volleyball loss

Ruth toughs out sprained ankle for small team

The women's volleyball team kicked off Oberlin's fall athletic season Tuesday with a disheartening loss to Capital University at home.

A boisterous crowd fueled the Yeowomen to two nail-biting wins in the first two matches. Oberlin had the first game in hand, but let the lead slip away. The marathon game lasted 45 minutes, with Oberlin finally nailing the coffin shut for a 16-14 victory. The Yeowomen kept things going on the other side of the court, putting Capital away 15-10 in the second game.

Even with two convincing wins under their belt, Oberlin could not hold the fort. Capital rallied to take the last three games, 15-9, 15-9, 15-10. and the entire match.

Senior Katie Ruth powered her team in the first two games, but suffered a sprained ankle in the third game. Despite being hobbled, Ruth bit the bullet and continued to inspire her teammates. Junior Jill Brockelman said, "Katie did a great job, she continued to play with a sprained ankle. She played awesome."

Coach Suzanne Garland said, "It was incredible. That was a lot of courage and guts."

Even with the grit of Ruth on their side the women's volleyball fell short. Sophomore Sarah Breon said, "I think we played very well for our first game. When we came out for the third game Katie got hurt, and that hurt our momentum."

Coach Garland put together an interesting mix of players for the 1998 season. The team features a host of first-years, and four returning players. Ruth, the team's captain, anchors the squad along with Brockelman, and sophomores Breon and Carrie Carter.

"This is my third year at Oberlin and it is the best team I've had," said Garland.

Most of the first-years were picked up in recently held open try-outs. The new group of players has not had a chance to attend many practices, so it remains to be seen what the Yeowomen are capable of. Coach Garland offers a great deal of winning experience which could spell trouble for unsuspecting opponents.

Even though they lost, the Yeowomen made an impressive showing against a tough Capital team. "I think we gained a lot of respect," said Coach Garland.

The strength of the women's volleyball team lies in their active teamwork. Even with a handful of first-years on the team, the Yeowomen boast of their close knit structure. "I think we work very well together. We all get along really well," said Carter.

A noteworthy addition to the team is first-year Anna Ruth, Katie Ruth's younger sister. Anna Ruth has been with the team since pre-season, and talks of her older sister with pride. "She's very inspirational. She can pick us up when she wants. She knows exactly what to say."

Anna Ruth played well in her first collegiate game, digging and diving all over Philips Gymnasium. Anna Ruth said, "I wanted to prove to myself that I could play at this level. I had so much confidence in the rest of my team."

The Yeowomen host the Oberlin/ Country Hearth Invitational this weekend. A lot of tough work lies ahead for this exciting young, team which will hopefully improve on Tuesday's loss to Capital. "They were really upset that we lost to Capital, but they could see the good things. They could see we are a better team," said Garland.

Digging dance: The Volleyball team took two matches before falling to Capital. (photo by Becky Johnson)