Vball to count on 'D' and hustle at Rutgers

Quakers meet three foes on road this weekend Before last weekend's Penn Invitational, coach Margaret Feeney stressed the Quakers' defense would have to shine in order to come out on top. Without a major offensive weapon, Penn needs to play strong defense to set up any scoring opportunities. With excellent positioning and hustle, the Quakers (2-1) beat the ball to the floor, and beat both Navy and Duquesne. Penn featured an intimidating force at the net in sophomore Jennifer Law, which allowed senior co-captain Hallie Ben-Horin and junior Carol Cit Kovic to hang back for the dig. In addition, the starters were bolstered by a core of senior defensive specialists -- Jennifer Richmond, Keri Gibson and Beatriz Rodriguez. But if the tenacious defense is not enough to frustrate Penn's opponents this weekend when the Quakers face Rutgers, St. John's and Wagner in the Rutgers Invitational, Ben-Horin and junior Nida Germanas are both capable of getting an ace if needed. "We're definitely working on a tough serve," Germanas said. "We really want to mix it up so that we can set up our offense. We want to confuse the other team so they move their blockers which will leave bigger holes." What has allowed Penn to work on their serves has been the four days off between games. The Quakers worked out with numerous hitting drills, featuring the idea of arm extension at practice Monday. The goal of each drill is to be able to hit the ball with maximum force, including both hitting the ball on kills and on the serve. However, the only way the Quakers can put themselves in a position to get the big kill is to stop their opponent with excellent defense. Often athletes complain because they don't get enough individual exposure, and in volleyball the kill seems to be the big play that grabs hold of the audience. But no one minds playing the role of unsung hero. The Quakers are always careful to compliment a fine play, on either side of the net. "We can recognize a great dig or a great block," Law said. "I think we're able to appreciate that, and we'll think that is as spectacular, while someone in the stands who doesn't know volleyball that well might only recognize the great kill. "I think the satisfaction is different for each person. Our defensive specialists are satisfied with a great dig. I know I'm satisfied when I roof someone." The Quakers are not only going to continue to concentrate on defense at Rutgers, but they will also use it as a building block for the remainder of the season. "Volleyball is unlike any other sport," Feeney said. "You have the same players on offense and defense. What we're working on is getting someone to make the transition into an offensive strength." Besides trying to find an offensive weapon, the Quakers will use this weekend to prepare for the upcoming Ivy League schedule, which begins September 30. By playing a pair of Division I schools, Penn is continuing the tradition of playing tough nonconference schools. "We have a goal of going 3-0," Cit Kovic said. "I know the teams and their players. We're not taking them lightly, so it will help us once Ivies start."