In the first volleyball match ever to be broadcast on radio in New Hampshire, the Big Green women's volleyball team (5-3, 0-0 Ivy) only came up short on the scoreboard.
In a Tuesday night intrastate battle, the team fell to the Wildcats of the University of New Hampshire (6-9) in straight sets (19-30, 31-33, 18-30) at Lundholm Gymnasium.
Shorthanded from the start with an injury to powerful right side Anna Jenkins '05, and facing what was probably the most skilled and intimidating competition they will encounter all season, the Big Green's performance was not accurately represented by the final score.
"We played the best volleyball in the second half of the first game and the second game that we've played all season," said opposite Lindsay Sheffield '04, who had a monster game, leading the team with 11 kills, at a .348 hitting percentage, and 6 blocks.
"What hurt us in the long run was just a couple of points that got away due to lack of communication. Overall we played really well together as a team."
After a slow start, Dartmouth played a fierce second game, taking the Wildcats to two set points before ultimately dropping the set 31-33.
"I felt like we played really well in the second game," said head coach Ann Marie Larese. "We really played up to UNH's level. They are a great team and they've faced some tough competition so I feel like we were able to hang with them. We learned a lot from them, and it will make us a better team."
Losing such a tight game appeared to drain the momentum from the Big Green. Whereas in the second game the team came out firing with three consecutive points, it was UNH that started the decisive third game strong en route to a 30-18 game, and a straight set victory.
Leading the Wildcats, who compete in the America East Conference, was senior outside hitter Alyson Coler, who recorded a match-high 16 kills to go along with six digs and a .351 hitting percentage in the match.
Making important contributions for the Big Green were outside hitter Sarah Nadler '06, who posted a double-double with 11 kills and 12 digs, and setter Chelsea Morgan '04, who had 20 assists. Outside hitter Kainoa Fialkowski '04 chipped in with 7 kills.
The match was broadcast on the UNH Sports Network, adding some excitement to the contest. "Most of the team is from the South and West Coast. It was great that our family and friends could hear the match over the internet," Sheffield said.
Despite the loss, the Big Green is content with the way the season has begun. Said Nadler, "This season we're a lot stronger, a lot faster and a lot more mentally tough. I think we're going to go far and blow people away."
After a difficult 5-21 season a year ago, the team is expecting a sharp turn-around. Through only eight games, Dartmouth has already matched last year's win total, sweeping through the Bucknell Invitational with consecutive victories over Farleigh Dickinson, Bucknell and Howard.
"We lacked leadership last year, which caused us to lose a lot of close games," said Sheffield. "Now we have six leaders on the court at all times, which helps us play our best every weekend." Experience is now an undeniable strength of the squad. as the lineup includes five returning starters.
The Big Green takes to the road for its Ivy League opener tonight against Harvard, the first of two matches versus Dartmouth's conference rival and travel partner in seven days.
