With two successful recruiting classes that include last year?s America East Conference rookie of the year, Sarah Ball, and this season?s likely recipient, Ashley Oscars, the once-struggling University of Maryland-Baltimore County women?s volleyball team appeared to be on the verge of competing for the league title.
That goal could be reached as early as this weekend. The Retrievers are preparing for their first America East tournament since joining the conference in 2003. UMBC (15-14 overall, 7-5 conference) enters the tournament as one of the most improved teams in the league after going 11-18, 4-8 last year.
UMBC?s semifinal opponent Saturday will be defending champion Binghamton (15-16, 9-3). The Bearcats won the season series with the Retrievers, taking the teams? Oct. 15 match in New York in four games before sweeping UMBC Nov. 5 in Catonsville.
“It?s been an up-and-down season, which is what you expect with a team with as much youth as we have,” said UMBC coach Ian Blanchard, whose roster includes nine freshmen and sophomores. “But in the last three to four weeks, they have reallystarted to understand what it is we expect of them.”
Much of UMBC?s success this year can be traced to front-line players like Oscars and Ball. Oscars leads the team with 336 kills, while Ball has 282 kills and 341 digs.
The Retrievers have also received solid contributions from setters Kira Giles and Stacey Carroll, who have 678 and 441 assists, respectively.
Along the back row, a pair of former Baltimore County high-school standouts have played well when called upon. Senior Jennifer Wylie (Dulaney) leads the Retrievers with 495 digs, and freshman Mallorie Clary (Catonsville) has contributed 209 digs.
The Retrievers have a tall order this weekend.
“Binghamton is at the point where we want to be,” Blanchard said. “They are not flashy, but they get the job done. They don?t give away a lot of points, commit very few errors and are just very disciplined.”
Wylie, a senior who also had 25 digs in Sunday?s regular-season finale sweep at New Hampshire, said the biggest reason for UMBC?s turnaround this season comes from the players meshing on the court.
“I knew we had the potential to be good, but with so many new players, it took time for all of us to learn how to play together,” Wylie said. “Now, I think we have a legitimate chance at winning the America East tournament and advancing the NCAAs.”
Volleyball notes
» Top-seeded host Albany (17-10, 10-2) will face Stony Brook (13-16, 6-6) at 3 p.m. Saturday. UMBC and Binghamton follow at 5:30 p.m. The conference finals are Sunday at 2 p.m.
» UMBC coach Ian Blanchard announced four high-school seniors have officially committed to play at UMBC: OH Bianca Sande (Torey Pines H.S./San Diego), MH Sarah Hill (L.C. Bird H.S./Richmond, Va.), OH Madison Bingaman (Stoney Point H.S./Austin, Texas) and MB Bridget Sheetz (Ursiline, H.S./ St. Louis).
