BY DENNIS FAN

In print | Published November 6, 2008

Swarthmore’s women’s volleyball team ended their season this past weekend in a flurry of shattered records and accomplished milestones. In the last game of a long season that began in August, the team fought with passion through five sets against Centennial Conference rival Franklin & Marshall College, 25-16, 15-25, 20-25, 25-16, 15-12, losing in the fifth by a mere three points.
The outstanding performance of the Garnet women against the Diplomats prompts us to recall the past season and gives us glimpses at the future of Swarthmore Women’s Volleyball.

In her last game, captain Jen Wang ’09 led the team on offense and on defense, amassing 22 kills and 28 digs. Wang would finish her last game playing as dominantly as she had all season, earning her school records for season kills (360) and career kills (1,171). Furthermore, Wang ranked impressively nationally, entering her last week with 3.74 kills per set, 35th in Division III Volleyball.
Captain Erin Heaney ’09 would also end the season on a high note, solidifying her place in school and conference history with a school record 1,560 career digs, or 14th in Centennial Conference history.

Though the team will sorely miss its two seniors, the team looks to be equally strong going into next season. According to Kearney Bangs ’10, who added 44 assists this weekend, “The freshmen stepped it up this season.” As a result, “The team will be able to play the same,” Bangs said.
The team’s four first-year players, Genny Pezzola, Hillary Santana, Lisa Shang and Sasha Wijeyeratne have all been significant in shaping this team and their strong performances will likely continue in future seasons.

Pezzola has consistently supplied double-doubles (in kills and digs) as well as a significant number of aces. In fact, this season she leads the conference in aces with a total of 62. Santana has become a more versatile volleyball player, playing a greater role on offense as the season has progressed, while Shang has put up team highs in digs over various matches. Wijeyeratne is constantly praised by coach Harleigh Chwastyk for improving every practice and by teammates for her motivating influence.

The formula for success this year has been a strong defense, a smart offense, and a tough serve. Coach Chwastyk states that, “by the end of the season we were digging harder balls and scrambling to make plays … We played defense well and were really smart offensively.” This impressive defense ended the season with a national ranking, 23rd in Division III by virtue of 18.95 digs per set.
The season was also successful because the team played unselfishly and with great passion. Sarah Lambert ’11 commented that, “As a team we really came together.” Whether it was preparing for Senior Day, dressing up for Halloween, or just everyday practice, members of this year’s women’s volleyball team have been dedicated and have formed a community that has shown on and off the court. According to Bangs, “[The women] did well working together as a team. Our team played for each other and with each other.”

The Garnet women certainly showed tremendous heart and passion this season at a time when, as Chwastyk put it, “We couldn’t afford to play tentatively.” Even in the last set against Franklin & Marshall, the women battled back from two five-point deficits before finally losing.
During the offseason, the women will hope to continue practicing and continue to stay in shape. Furthermore, the team often comes together to engage in charity work for the community. The offseason is a chance for these volleyball players and Swarthmore students to retool and refocus on the grueling academic demands of Swarthmore College.

Though the team finished 6-19 and 2-8 in Centennial Conference play, these numbers do not nearly speak for the number of personal, team, and career accomplishments of Swarthmore’s volleyball players.

“As a coach you always want to have a winning season, but this year we’ve accomplished more team goals than here. These women have shown dedication, determination, and passion,” Coach Harleigh Chwastyk said. Throughout the season, the women’s volleyball team never played half-heartedly, played neck-and-neck with the best of them and never gave up.

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