Women's Volleyball: Team returns for Dillon opener after 1-2 weekend

The women’s volleyball team had mixed results this past weekend, going 1-2 in the George Washington Invitational.

The Tigers (3-6) started off the weekend very strong, sweeping tournament host George Washington (3-11) last Friday in three games, 25-20, 26-24, 25-23. Senior captain and outside hitter Lydia Rudnick led the attack with 14 kills, and sophomore setter Ginny Willis added 25 assists and 11 digs. The second and third games were decided by two-point margins, and freshman right side Kendall Peterkin came through in the clutch with key kills, including the finisher on match point.

Looking to continue their success the following day, the Tigers ran into an undefeated No. 15 Brigham Young University squad (12-0). The Cougars continued their dominance this season, routing the Tigers in three games, 25-14, 25-11, 25-21. Peterkin led the team with 11 kills, and freshman defensive specialist Sarah Daschbach added 15 digs for Princeton while two-time first-team All-Ivy selection Rudnick rested for the later match of the day.

Hours later, the Tigers battled New Hampshire (6-8), which was looking to get its first win of the weekend after losing to BYU and George Washington. Princeton won the first two games, 26-24 and 25-19, but after two straight losses, each by a 25-18 score, the Tigers were stuck in their third five-game thriller of the season. Tied 12-12 in the fifth, the Tigers committed two errors, and a kill by New Hampshire’s Abigail Brinkman gave the Wildcats the victory, 15-12, in the deciding game.

Rudnick returned to the lineup to record 16 kills and 12 digs. Daschbach led the team with 23 digs, Willis recorded 49 assists, and junior middle blocker Leah Jordan had a season-high 13 kills. However, Princeton could not overcome New Hampshire’s balanced attack, as the Wildcats had five players reach double digits in kills, compared to the Tigers’ three.

Half of the Tigers’ losses this season have been in five games, all of which were decided by three points or less. The girls in spandex look to turn things around in their home opener in Dillon Gymnasium tonight at 7 p.m. against Lehigh.

Last year, the Tigers lost to Lehigh in four games, but the Tigers hope to gain revenge this year at home in their last nonconference match before traveling for Ivy League play this weekend.

After losing its home opener to Seton Hall last season, Princeton has defended its home court well. The Tigers went undefeated at home during last year’s Ivy League season, and they look to keep that streak alive tonight.