The Indiana University Invitational was a strong showing for the Terrapin volleyball team, but the tournament sweep was only preparation for the tougher Stony Brook University Invitational this weekend.
With freshmen and sophomores playing crucial roles for the Terps this year, coach Janice Kruger was impressed by the play of her team. Sophomore Meredith Doyle joined senior Teryn Papp on the All-Tournament Team, to go along with junior Jade Brown’s Most Valuable Player award.
“She’s really worked on her backcourt skills,” Kruger said of Brown. “She came on and showed all her colors.”
Despite the strong showing in Bloomington, junior Kelly-Anne Billingy of Marshall had a remarkable 32 kills against the Terps, and sophomore Erica Short of Indiana posted 22 kills against the Terps the following game – a trend the Terps hope won’t continue this weekend.
Stony Brook boasts one of the best outside hitters in the country, junior Morgan Sweany, and No. 17-ranked Ohio has a pair of strong hitters in junior Stephanie Blackburn and freshman Ellen Herman. Brown seems to enjoy the challenge.
“It excites me because I love playing people that are better than me,” said Brown. “Any athlete wants to play tough competition.”
Ohio is the first ranked team the Terps will face this season, and Kruger acknowledged that Ohio will be the biggest challenge at Stony Brook.
“They have a very fast offense.” said Kruger. “They play a lot like Marshall, but more balanced.”
Contact reporter Adi Joseph at sports@dbk.umd.edu.
