Lady Greyhounds bite into rankings
Volleyball ranked nationally for first time in preseason polls.
By Staci Reafsnyder
Sports Editor
In the preseason polls, the University of Indianapolis volleyball team (18-4, 7-2 GLVC) was ranked 16th nationally Aug. 19 and first in the East Division of the 2008 Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Preseason Coaches Poll on Aug. 4.
According to assistant coach Kyp Harasymowycz, the volleyball team had never been ranked at an extended time.
The ‘Hounds hosted a series of conference games at the Ruth Lilly Fitness center Oct. 2 through Oct. 4, reaching new heights statistically.
The 7-1 GLVC record of Missouri University of Science and Technology was changed on Oct. 4 to 7-2 when the Greyhounds defeated them in a three-set victory. With a .304 hitting percentage, UIndy outhit Missouri S&T who only racked a .126 and doubled Missouri S&T’s kills with 50. Freshman Abby Merritt’s statistics against Missouri S&T of a .370 hitting percentage and 14 kills made it the best match of her UIndy career.
On Aug. 4 the University of Missouri, St. Louis was ranked fifth in the West Division of the 2008 GLVC Preseason Coaches Poll. Missouri-St. Louis came to the RLFC on Oct. 3, in a five-set match.
The five matches had Missouri-St. Louis in the lead with two, but UIndy came back in sets three and four to tie 2-2. In the end Missouri defeated the ‘Hounds in the last match, 15-12, putting another loss on the ‘Hounds record.
In a three-set victory at the UIndy defeated Quincy University on Oct. 2.
The ‘Hounds compiled a .330 attack percentage, with senior Beth Robbins achieving a .600 attack percentage, individually.
Quincy was not ranked among the top 25 in the nation, but was tied with Missouri-St. Louis in the Preseason Coaches Poll.
After falling to Northern Kentucky University on Sept. 20, the Greyhound’s rank dropped to 24th in the nation. But it would not last long as the ‘Hounds began to climb in the polls again.
UIndy was bumped to 22nd on Sept. 29 after returning from a 4-0 sweep in California, Pa., having defeated 13th ranked California University (Cal U) of Pennsylvania on Sept. 27. Last season Cal U was known for having advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight and were the Atlantic Region Champions last season.
UIndy recorded the highest hitting percentage of the year of .309 against Kutztown University in the weekend sweep.
Junior Kyleigh Turner became the new program career leader in digs, surpassing former Greyhound player Kristin Lay. Turner compiled 76 digs in the weekend tournament that brought her total to 318 early in the season.
“So far this season is off to a great start,” Turner said. “I think we are more confident this year than last.”
According to Harasymowycz, with such an intense schedule early on, practices for the ‘Hounds have become more intense.
With seven new freshmen added to the roster, Harasymowycz said they are seeing a lot of playing time against the top 25. He also said the team is learning a lot about the new Greyhounds as the season progresses.
Beginning in late August, the ‘Hounds started the season in the West Florida Classic in Pensacola, Fla., playing division II schools. The first loss came for the ‘Hounds in Pensacola, when they fell to (then) 23rd ranked West Florida University 1-3 on Aug. 30.
After the loss to West Florida, the ‘Hounds went on to have another loss to Western New Mexico University in the Lewis Flyer Festival on Sept. 5, pushing them down to 22nd in the nation.
UIndy came back with six consecutive wins, but the loss to Northern Kentucky nearly bumped them out of the top 25 nationally ranked teams.
Harasymowyz said that the main goal this season is to stay in the top 25, but the coaches also set smaller goals for the team to overcome.
“Our schedule is much harder than last year, but I think that will prepare us for the big games down the road,” Turner said.
