Volleyball seeks vengence on Tigers in Ivy opener

The Quakers begin their '97 Ivy League season against Princeton, the team that ended Penn's '96. The tension in the air is mounting. It seems as if the Quakers first eight games of the season were merely practice sessions for tonight's contest at the Palestra. In its first Ivy League match-up of the season, the Penn volleyball team takes on Princeton at 7 p.m. at the Palestra. The Quakers (4-4, 0-0 Ivy League) enter the game following a weekend rebound-victory over Colgate after losing their earlier match to Delaware. The last time Penn faced Princeton (4-4, 0-0) was in the third round of last season's Ivy Championships, which the Tigers won 3-0. Tonight's game should be a "grudge match." This weekend's return of junior middle blocker Karen Lewis, combined with the excellent season-long play of junior middle blocker Sue Sabatino (3.03 kills per game, 1.47 blocks per game) and senior setter Heather Tillett (9.76 assists per game), should help the Quakers' chances. Princeton won't be an easy match for the Quakers -- the Tigers feature senior Ayesha Attoh (3.07 digs per game), and junior outside hitters Stephanie Edwards and Rose Kuhn (.247 hitting percentage, 3.19 kpg). Penn coach Margaret Feeney believes that the Quakers defense will determine the outcome. "We need to play great defense," said Feeney. "If we serve aggressively and block successfully, we should be able to win." Being the first Ivy match for both schools, there should be a significant amount of intensity in the match. "It's early in the season and we're still just finding out the strengths and weaknesses of the other Ivies," said Feeney. "Right now we are just looking at Princeton and are confident going in." A key for Penn to win this game could be the play of Lewis. Having returned from an early-season injury, Lewis is already back in top form, proven by her earning Ivy League Honor Roll status. Although Penn freshman middle blocker Diana Meek has done a more-than-sufficient job replacing the injured Lewis, there is no question that Lewis' presence in the middle was missed. She should have a tremendous impact on the outcome of tonight's game. With a win tonight, the Quakers could be back on track to reaching all the high goals and expectations set by the coaches and players.