Vball looks to contain Temple

In the case of many colleges, natural boundaries are often grounds for rivalries. After all, the basis for the Big 5 relies on the fact that all schools reside in the Philadelphia vicinity. So it seems natural some animosity would build up after the same two teams play year after year. But that's not the case with the Penn and Temple volleyball teams, who hit the hardwood at the Owls' McGonigle Hall at 4 p.m. tomorrow. "There really is no rivalry with Temple," Penn coach Margaret Feeney said. "[Temple coach Jenny Alexander] has only been at Temple for two years. I don't think the kids think of Temple as a rival, we're more concerned with the Ivies." Not only will the fact that each team is preparing for its conference schedules be incentive enough to go all out, but the Owls (7-4) are carrying some excess baggage as well. Last year Temple strolled into the Palestra, and left nearly as quick as it arrived after being blanked in three sets. "We consistently play U. Penn because they're so close," Alexander said. "I think we're going to play harder than usual because last year they upset us." Once the Quakers (5-2) begin play tomorrow, they will immediately have to figure out a way to contain the reigning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, middle hitter Katie Herrigan. Fortunately for Penn, Herrigan is recovering from shoulder surgery and is not quite at full strength. Penn will attempt to control Herrigan by strengthening the front line and serving precisely to make the Owls scurry so they can't set up their offense. Temple features another Atlantic 10 first-teamer in sophomore setter Heidi Lombardo. Lombardo is the sparkplug of the Owls high-octane offense. "They run a very quick offense, they pass low, set it and hit it," Feeney said. "We need to anticipate, and our blockers and defenders have to be in proper position." Despite the lack of the crosstown rivalry, Penn and Temple both possess their own personal vendettas that will bring intensity to this Big 5 battle.