Vball looks to focus

Quakers host Dartmouth and Harvard The only thing that the Penn volleyball team has to fear this weekend is itself. Coming off a disappointing loss to Yale and a lackluster week of practice, amidst midterm exams and midterm doldrums, and with Princeton looming in the shadows of Tuesday night, the Quakers are not likely to be at the top of their game this weekend. Luckily, they probably won't have to be. Penn plays host to Dartmouth (0-8) tonight at 7 p.m. and Harvard (0-0, 4-6) tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m. at the Palestra. Neither the Crimson, who have already surpassed last season's win total, nor the winless Big Green are expected to pose any problems for the Quakers (1-1, 8-3). "If we play up to our potential, we will only have to play six games this weekend," Penn coach Margaret Feeney said. "We should dominate." In spite of the Quakers' superior size and talent, the wins will not be automatic. "It's much more of a mental thing for this team right now," senior captain Devon Austin said. "The most important thing is for us to focus. If we can come in eager and remain focused, we won't have any problem." Given the off the court distractions, the inferior competition and the Tigers on the horizon, maintaining focus will be easier said than done. "Sure we are thinking about Princeton, but we can't overlook these two games," Feeney said. "As long as we stay confident, aggressive and relaxed, we'll be fine." One thing that might help Penn stay relaxed has been the surging play of senior outside hitter Jennifer Ott. According to Feeney, Ott is currently playing the best volleyball of her Quaker career. Having Ott step up provides the Quakers with incredible balance up front. Sophomore setter Heather Glick can now distribute the ball more evenly between Ott and Austin, depending on who has a mismatch against their defender. Opponents will no longer be able to key on Austin. This is just one more example of the Quakers' depth, which they have used to keep all of their opponents off balance. That strategy is not going to change any this weekend, either. The Quakers have spent most of their recent practice time fine-tuning skills and plays. "We haven't done anything special to prepare," Feeney said. "Harvard has a couple of real good athletes at the middle hitter spot. They have responded well to their new coach [Jennifer Bates] and are much improved over last year. But, we just have to play our game." Although Dartmouth may also be an improved squad, the Big Green are not likely to test the Quakers either. Do to budgetary constraints, the team is classified as "varsity unfunded" and therefore must raise all of its expenses through dues and fundraising efforts by the team. Although some administrative support is given, the team is unable to recruit, and therefore has a limited talent base. "It's tough to compete against the higher caliber team with what we have," Dartmouth senior captain Jennifer Hall said. "But, we try as hard as we can and we definitely belong in the league. Last year, we beat Harvard and we're looking to move up to the next level this year." Although both of the teams have improved, Harvard and Dartmouth should be helpless victims of a Penn onslaught. The Quakers must simply stay focused.