4-1 Start Best For Volleyball Since 1984

Jenn Pock

Wooster won four of the five matches it played, giving it its best start to a season since 1984, but lost the final match it played to Oberlin, the host of the tournament.

The Scots, after defeating Pittsburgh-Johnstown and Bethany on Friday, made short work of Oberlin in the first match Saturday morning, down the Yeowomen 15-7, 15-8, 17-15. It was a strong match for sophomore Holli Camelio, who led Wooster in kills (9) and assists (14). Junior Jen Petkovsek had nine digs, while Erin Donnell chipped in three aces.

The win propelled the Scots into the semifinals of the tournament, where they faced Pitt-Johnstown again. Like the day before, Wooster dropped the first game before winning 12-15, 15-5, 15-11, 15-7. Sophomore Beth Moore finished with 20 assists and three aces, while sophomore Kate Meyer had 11 kills. Petkovsek had 13 digs and three aces.

This set up a rematch with Oberlin in the championship game. Early on, it appeared Wooster was going to sweep past the Yeowomen again, as it won the first game 15-11. But an injury to Donnell, one of the Scots' top players during the tournament, early in the second game switched the momentum of the match. She did return at the end of the third game, but Oberlin went on to win the last three games 16-14, 15-12, 15-9.

Despite the loss, Moore put forth another outstanding effort, collecting 22 assists. Petkovsek had a team-high 10 kills.

"We were very pleased with our aggressive and confident play," said Wooster head coach Terri Mason. "We have elevated our skill level while continuing to be very versatile on the court.

"We defeated all three teams in tri-match play, won our semifinal game, and were up a game in the finals before the injury to Erin (Donnell) enabled Oberlin to pull out the win.

Camelio and senior Jenn Pock were named to the All-Tournament team.