Volume CXXXII, Number 1 September 13, 2002 f

Volleyball set to spike
JENN LARAIA
STAFF WRITER

With a solid start, five talented freshmen, and strong leadership, the Bowdoin volleyball team is on its way to improving upon last year's 7-22 season. In early scrimmage action last Sunday, the Lady Polar Bears defeated Colby 3-2 on the Mules' home turf.

Last year, Bowdoin fell twice to their Waterville rivals, but already this season, the Polar Bears have proved that they are up to the challenge.
The team's three seniors, Mara Caruso, Becca Geehr, and Jess Reuben are filling their roles as captains, leading the team both in leadership and performance. Reuben, a middle blocker, has shattered school blocking records in previous seasons. Caruso adds strength on defense for the Polar Bears, and Geehr provides offensive strength as an attacker.

The Bowdoin team also has a new setter, Bree Dallinga '06, who has added fire to the Bowdoin offense.

Coach Kellie Bearman comments, "Her grit is inspiring to the team. She's making it possible for us to run our offense and let our attackers shine."
Sarita Fu '06 has taken over the new "libero" role, which Bearman describes as "an exclusively defensive position that is new to the league this season."

Jessica Schlobohm '06 is lethal on offense - her attacks will make Bowdoin an overpowering force. Summer Gray '06 and Kelly Bougere '06 also add to the Polar Bears' offensive strength, with both smart play and quickness. A new sophomore, Adrienne Heflich, adds height and talent to the team and specializes in blocking and strong right-side hitting.

Bearman, who is entering her second season as head-coach, is delighted with her team's prospects.

"I expect great things out of this team," she comments, "We're going to have to work hard physically and mentally to beat some of these NESCAC teams, but I'm beyond confident that we will do it."