The Georgetown women’s volleyball team lost the final match of a disappointing season to Virginia Commonwealth University in the VCU Thanksgiving Classic Saturday.
The Hoyas played strong defense and improved their offensive effort, but fell just short in a 3-2 decision. Plagued by injury and inexperience throughout the season, the Lady Hoyas ended with an overall record of 5-27.
The squad’s inexperience was a challenge that Head Coach Arlissa Hagan Williams and her team struggled to overcome throughout the season. Six of the eleven players on this year’s squad were sophomores, which contributed to the team’s inconsistent play throughout the season.
“We had no seniors,” Williams said. “With such a young team, you’re going to see inconsistencies that play a major factor.”
Coach Williams also attributes the team’s erratic play to injury.
“It was difficult for us to get a consistent line-up because some key players were in and out due to injury,” she said. “When the line-up is constantly changing, it’s difficult to get in a flow. It was a huge hurdle for us.”
Junior Catlin Bowland spent the season recovering from an ACL injury sustained during pre-season training, while sophomore Kortney Robinson suffered a concussion at mid-season, leaving her out of commission for a week.
The team’s dismal record aside, Williams said that the season’s final stats do not reflect the talent of the team.
“Yes, we were 5-27, but if you look at the skill level this group has gotten better,” she said. “Their passion has really helped this program. 5-27 it is not a fair indication of what this team is capable of.”
The Lady Hoyas plan to return next year ready to fulfil the mantra of “growing to greatness.”
“We’re still trying to figure it all out and build our program,” Williams said.
The entire squad will return next year, along with of two newly signed recruits, Ashley Malone and Sarah Manley, both products of California. The two additional players will give the eleven-woman squad greater depth. The team is using the off-season to focus on getting healthy and improving upon fundamental skills.
“If we continue to play with heart and continue to stay committed, the program will grow, and I think next season will be a step better,” Williams concluded.
