Penn's opponents this weekend are a combined 3-11 in the Ivy League. But that doesn't mean the team is complacent.
In large part that is because they are heading to New York to face two-time defending champion Cornell. Although not on their way to a third-straight championship this year, the Big Red (6-12, 3-4 Ivy) are still a formidable opponent; they have already upset a strong Dartmouth team earlier this season.
"There are still several players from their championship teams," coach Kerry Carr said. "They're still cocky and still think they can win every game. It's an attitude you have to beat down first."
Besides the attitude, the Quakers will have to watch out for All-Ivy libero Megan Mushovic.
"We can't serve to her," captain Kathryn Turner said. "And as a hitter you need to make sure you don't hit anywhere near her."
Penn beat Cornell at the Palestra in three games earlier this year, but Cornell's gym is a whole different story.
"Playing at Cornell is very, very tough," Carr said. "They have terrible hecklers right behind your bench and it's a long road trip. The team is just out of its comfort zone a lot."
Despite Cornell's weapons, Penn is still the better team. At 5-2 Ivy the Quakers are competing for an Ivy League title, but another loss would end their hopes.
While 0-7 Columbia may not have many wins, they do have quite an offensive weapon in outside hitter Amalia Viti.
"She is definitely one of the best players in the league," Carr said. "She routinely gets 20 kills a game and we need to stop her."
Shutting her down could translate into more than a few saved points. "Often times if you stop a team's best player, the whole team will crumble," Turner said.
Stopping Viti won't be easy though: "We need to block, that's for sure," Carr said. "But she is a smart hitter who can get around the block and we need to put a strong defense in the places the block can't get to."
Penn will also be focused on its serve-receive throughout the weekend, hoping to iron out some communication issues the Quakers have been having on the court.
"When we pass well we are really unstoppable," Carr said.
They may not need their best play this weekend, but they will still be trying for it.
"My standards for them don't drop based on who we play," Carr said. "They expect the same from each other."
