The Terrapins volleyball team has learned firsthand how quickly a season can change direction.
On Sept. 21, the team was riding high. The Terps had just extended their season-long winning streak to four matches with a win at Clemson, and outside hitters Mary Cushman and Kamrin Gold had earned all-tournament honors in the Blackbird Invitational the previous week.
Then the injuries arrived.
Cushman (concussion) and Gold (ankle) suffered injuries the following week. Two weeks later, Emily Fraik — who stepped in as the starting outside hitter — and Kaitlyn King also suffered concussions. Since then, the Terps have been forced to move forward without four key players.
As a result, the Terps have lost six out of seven matches after beating the Tigers, turning a once-promising season on its head.
“We’re disappointed because the last time we were healthy was Clemson, and we played as well as we did,” coach Tim Horsmon said. “It’s been a tough few weeks.”
The Terps’ injury-riddled stretch, though, may finally be coming to an end. Horsmon said Sunday that Cushman and Fraik may be cleared to play this week, and Gold will begin testing her ankle in practice.
Their return is a welcome sight for the Terps, who have lost four straight matches.
“So many people stepped up and filled those gaps for us when we really needed them,” middle blocker Adreene Elliot said. “But a lot of [injured players] are coming back this week, which is really awesome.”
But Elliot isn’t just excited for the outside hitters’ potential impact on game day. She wants the challenge of facing those offensive weapons in practice. Despite missing significant time, those three have combined for 260 kills this season — significant contributions for a young team trying to move past last year’s 4-16 finish in ACC play.
“Each person plays with a different style,” she said. “And to see those different techniques in practice helps me become a better player.”
Still, many of Elliot’s teammates have benefited from their absence.
With key contributors sidelined, Catie Coyle, Amy Dion and Dani Bozzini have been forced into larger roles.
“It’s been a great opportunity for players that haven’t played to get some reps and some time,” Horsmon said. “I think some players have done great with that.”
Not only have bench players been called on to play more, but several starters have also changed positions.
Libero Sarah Harper played outside hitter in matches against Miami and No. 12 Florida State last weekend, Remy McBain has been forced into an attacking role and setter Mackenzie Dagostino has become the team’s primary passer.
“Injuries are never fun; there’s never a good time for them,” Dagostino said. “But it is fun to see what we can do when we’re this tight with players.”
Barring any setbacks, the Terps won’t be shorthanded for long.
The team has seen how quickly a season can turn from encouraging to disheartening. With the return of at least two key components this week, the Terps will get a chance to see if they can make a change in the opposite direction.
“Things would have been different the last couple games if we had some of these players healthy,” Horsmon said. “I think we’re going to be a very different team in the next week or two.”
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