The Penn volleyball team is not focused on wins and losses just yet. And it's a good thing, because the Quakers lost all three matches at the Seton Hall tournament this weekend.
The Quakers fell to host Seton Hall in four games on Friday. The Pirates (5-3) were in their eighth match of the year, while it was the season opener for the Quakers. The Red and Blue wouldn't fare any better against Fairfield and Stony Brook.
"Wins at this stage are not important at all," coach Kerry Carr said. "It's all about the Ivy League. Right now we put ourselves against teams that will make us better."
Penn was not totally outplayed. It outblocked the Pirates 18-6 led by Penn sophomore Natalie Drucker's nine blocks. While the Quakers may be able to count on defense, they quickly saw it will not be enough to win matches.
"It was really fun to see us come out in our first match and do so strongly in one area and dominate in the blocking arena," coach Carr said. "Obviously, you need a combination of offense and defense but you always wonder how you're going to be in the first match out."
Carr wasted no time in seeing how her latest recruit crop would fare. Freshman outside hitter Julia Swanson recorded eight kills, several of which where set up by freshman setter Megan Tryon in the match against Seton Hall.
Tryon split time with senior Linda Zhang against Seton Hall. Carr then kept Tryon on the court for the loss against Fairfield before going back to Zhang against Stony Brook. They may continue to split time as the season wears on.
"They are very even," Carr said. "I might not have to make a decision between the two of them. They might both be out there a lot."
Setter is not the only position up for grabs. All fifteen players who traveled saw time this weekend.
"People are competing to be a starter everyday in practice," said senior captain Laura Black. "This weekend was more of trying to find out what lineups work and how people will work together on the court than just winning."
Black had a good weekend herself, punctuated by a twenty-kill match against Stony Brook.
"It was neat to see her come out and take the game by the horns and put away every ball she touched," Carr said.
The Quakers best chance for a win was against Stony Brook. Penn jumped to a quick 2-0 lead before dropping three in a row.
"We got scared and were almost afraid to win," Black said. "The team needs to learn how to be in that situation and not be scared and play like we're winning."
But the team, unfazed by three losses, only has so long before the games start to matter quite a bit.
