Volleyball goes into Haverford match with unsettled lineup

Traditionally, Penn volleyball opens its season with a weekend tournament on the road. Following last year's third-place finish in the Ivy League, the Quakers could have selected any one of a variety of away sights to kick off their 1996 season. But with Rosh Hashanah -- the Jewish New Year -- beginning at sundown tonight, Penn has instead opted for an afternoon home opener against Haverford at 3 p.m. This will be the first time in Penn's 24-year history that the Quakers will face the Division III Fords. Haverford coach Ann Coger leads her team into the Palestra with a 2-4 record, competing in the Centennial Conference. "I don't know anything about [Penn] except it being an Ivy League school," Coger said. "Our players assume they might be outmatched, but are willing to try their skills." Penn coach Margaret Feeney plans to use today's match as a final tune-up for before facing a stronger La Salle team on Tuesday. Feeney will not announce the starting line-up for today's match until she meets with each player individually. The coach did say, however, "Heather Tillett will set the first game." Over the past weeks of practice, the Quakers have become increasingly comfortable with Tillett, a first-time starter, running the offense. "Heather communicates very well on the court. Her attitude and work ethic is terrific," Penn co-captain Jessica Luftman said. Luftman is expected to take her accustomed spot at outside hitter. On the other side, sophomores Lindsey Anderson, Jackie Morris and Katie Stock will challenge for the second position. Senior captain Karen Kinsherf will likely be backed up at right-side hitter by junior Sue Pojedinec and sophomore Abby Daniels. Senior Jen Law and either Karen Lewis or Sue Sabatino will play the middle blocker positions. And sophomores Megan McKay and Alicia Hormaza are the Quakers defensive specialists. Irrespective of who joins Tillett in starting the lineup, Penn should have an advantage over the Fords in both size and skill. If the Quakers struggle, however, communication will likely be the core of the problem. "We have done a lot of individual reps," Feeney said. "Now we have to go from individual into a team.' The Fords' two victories have come primarily as a result of capitalizing off their opponents poor communication. Haverford captain Alicia Bieber is talented at all positions on the court and frequently moves around on the court to confuse opponents. "Bieber plays all positions well," Coger said. "We use her as an offensive and defensive strength." After the Haverford-Penn match concludes, the Quakers' reserves will scrimmage against Haverford's junior varsity team. Penn will feature freshman setter Kristen Stine in the later match. Stine was named first-team all-conference at the Bishop's School in San Diego. This season, she will learn the Quakers system as Tillett's back-up. Freshmen K.C. Potter and Kristel Weaver will also likely make their debuts in the against the JV Fords. Feeney views winning both the varsity match and the scrimmage as an equally important first step for the Quakers. "We have a lot to work on," Feeney said. "We go in against La Salle on Tuesday night, and we need to use each match as we go along to see what our needs are and what we have to work on."