A year ago, Julia Anderson and Ashlyn MacGregor lived more than 1,000 miles apart. Anderson, a setter, was playing volleyball at Cornwall Central High School in Mountainville, N.Y., and MacGregor, a middle blocker, was playing in Tarpon Springs, Fla., for Tarpon Springs High School.
Now, the two freshmen are playing together and will likely be in the starting lineup tonight when the Terrapins volleyball team begins this weekend’s second Maryland Invitational against New Hampshire. The Terps will take on George Mason and Villanova tomorrow.
The Terps (5-1) were victorious after last weekend’s first Maryland Invitational, winning matches against University of Missouri-Kansas City, LIU Brooklyn and Penn.
While libero Sarah Harper, a senior, was named the tournament’s MVP, MacGregor and Anderson played crucial roles for the Terps.
MacGregor blocked 23 attacks, teaming up with middle blocker Adreené Elliott and outside hitter Emily Fraik to provide an imposing defensive presence for the Terps. The middle blocker’s lengthy 6-foot-2 frame made it difficult for the opposition to smack attacks past the Terps.
Anderson was the facilitator of the offense. She played the bulk of the invitational at setter, occasionally being spelled by Amy Dion. The freshman recorded 77 assists, leading the Terps to three victories.
The two have been prone to rookie mistakes, though. MacGregor has struggled with her serve, as she has committed 12 service errors this year. Coach Tim Horsmon often criticizes MacGregor for her blunders and Anderson for being out of position.
The Terps have put themselves in good position with two early-season tournaments left before ACC play begins. While the team has benefited from veterans such as Harper and outside hitter Mary Cushman, Anderson and MacGregor have also contributed to the team’s fast start.
