Volleyball hopes to keep fire burning

Sometimes the best offense is a good defense. And sometimes the best offense is, well, a good offense. The Penn volleyball team looks to continue its winning ways against Drexel on Saturday and Colgate on Sunday at the Palestra. The team has been on a roll, sweeping Navy last Sunday and Sacred Heart on Wednesday by a score of 15-11, 15-5, 15-3. "Every game we're getting stronger," junior Kristel Weaver said. "We take something from every game that we can improve on and work on that." Penn coach Kerry Major agrees with Weaver that all aspects of the game are coming together for the Quakers. "We're really passing well and our offense is coming on," Major said. The offense was a huge factor in Penn's win over Sacred Heart, as its killing percentage was an outstanding 45.5. Major does warn, however, if the team doesn't take care of the basics such as passing and digging, the offense suffers. "When we lose sight of [passing, communication and digging] things fall apart. We can't run our offense," Major said. "We're really trying to play smart," Weaver said. "We're attempting to confuse the opposing defense by hitting both tips right over the blockers, and then harder shots." The Quakers recently potent offense faces an equally powerful attack in Drexel. Drexel is 5-10, but has won three of its last four matches. "Their main strength is their outside hitters and they are also a good passing team," Major said. "Our main focus will be to stop the outside hitters and run a quick offense." Colgate is also strong, as they have compiled a respectable 8-6 record coming into Sunday's game. For the Quakers, communication remains a factor at every game and practice. "Every part of our game relies on communication," Weaver said. "When a ball comes into a zone or when a player goes up to hit a ball, good communication decides whether or not we win the point." One worry for the Red and Blue is a slow start. Against Sacred Heart, the team started out a little lackadaisical before winning the first game. "We found it hard to play against a team with a good offense," Major said of the lethargic beginning. "We have to be careful it doesn't happen again." One concern the team is not focusing on is the future. Penn begins its Ivy League season on Tuesday against Princeton. Then, on Friday, the Quakers face Brown in another tough league showdown. "We're not taking this weekend lightly," junior co-captain K.C. Potter said. "We know that these games will help us get ready for Princeton." "Princeton is important," Major conceded, "but so is Drexel. It's for neighborhood bragging rights. Also, we know we have to beat these two teams to beat Princeton." Another exciting volleyball event occurring next week is the USA National team coming to the Palestra on Thursday to play an exhibition match versus the Peruvian national team. Tickets are $12 and proceeds go to a charity that teaches underprivileged kids how to play volleyball. If the Quakers can have a successful weekend, they can look forward to even better times next week.

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