Penn's volleyball team has changed dramatically after winning the 2001-2002 Ivy League Championship.
But their victorious ways seem sure to continue.
New leaders have emerged, and seven eager freshmen have been added to the roster. And although only three seniors departed, the team chemistry is entirely different.
"We have a new team this year," Penn coach Kerry Carr said. "We had to start over in getting to know one another and then prepare for the season."
This must be a gregarious bunch, because the Quakers appear to be more than ready for the league season, which begins Friday.
The Quakers (7-3) are in the midst of a successful nonconference schedule and hope to continue their strong play tonight when they play Villanova at the Palestra.
"This year's team is really strong," Carr said. "We have been playing extremely well, and if we can maintain this strong level throughout the season, then an Ivy League Championship is a definite possibility."
Penn went undefeated in the Wagner Invitational this past weekend, dominating Albany, Fairfield and the host-Wagner.
But the Red and Blue are still in a transitional stage. The seven freshmen need to adjust to the new scene and competition, and Carr has yet to finalize the starting squad.
"We have many new faces and a lot of talented players," Carr said. "I'm really excited about our depth this year. And the girls understand that if they're not playing effectively, I may substitute another player in their place."
The system produces a lot of pressure, especially for the freshmen. But so far the rookies have shown great poise.
In the Wagner invite, first-year player Michelle Kauffman recorded 23 kills and 11 total blocks to earn a spot on the all-tournament team. Meanwhile, rookie Cara Thomason notched nine service aces, a new Penn record.
The Quakers' early success seems to indicate that Penn will succeed in defending its Ivy League title.
But Carr was quick to point out that repeating as champions is traditionally very difficult.
"We are trying our best to get as strong as possible," she said. "But winning the Ivy League might not be an easy task, because we're in a different situation from last year."
Although the Quakers' roster has changed, their foundation and general formula remains the same.
Seniors Elizabeth Watty and Stacey Carter provide a steady core, while sophomore Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan -- named MVP of the Wagner Invitational -- has already gotten off to an impressive start this year.
Last year, the Quakers tromped on the Wildcats, although Villanova has improved from last year, recently winning the Wildcat Classic.
The match with Villanova carries more weight than the previous preseason matches.
"It's going to be a good test," Carr said. "It is really the best possible practice before playing Princeton."
