Volleyball pins hopes on future

If the Oberlin women's volleyball team's season were a famous Charles Dickens novel, the first line would be in dire need of an edit. It certainly is not the best of times as the Yeowomen are mired in an eight-game slump. But with the worst of their schedule behind them, the team that started this season at 4-1 could soon reemerge with a vengeance.

"We have a hectic schedule," said head coach Suzanne Garland. The team played four games in the Muskingum tournament last Friday and Saturday including games against Ohio Northern [ranked fifth in the nation at press time] and host Muskingum [ranked 16th]. All four games ended in Oberlin losses.

"I think our team has amazing potential," said first-year Katherine Gass. "We work really hard and have a lot of skill- unfortunately we haven't been able to put all of that to use in game situations."

The weekend wasn't all bad news for the ladies as sophomore Anna Ruth was named to the all-tournament team. "We couldn't finish, but we were very competitive," said Garland. In addition to Ruth's award, Garland continues to laud the contributions of sophomore Alana Kenmore. Ruth and Kenmore are currently first and second respectively on the team in kills.

Tuesday took the team to Marietta College for a stand against the Pioneers. Despite a valiant effort by the team, the Yeowomen fell in straight games.

"We just weren't there as a team," said junior Carrie Carter. "In order for us to step up to where we need to be we have to trust each other and pick each other up constantly."