Hot off of last Sunday’s win against Rutgers, the Georgetown volleyball team (12-9, 5-3 BE) is looking to rack up another conference victory against the University of Louisville. But the Cardinals (10-10, 6-3 BE), with their dominating size and solid offense, will certainly offer a stiffer challenge than the fledgling Scarlet Knights.
Lynn Kirshbaum
Louisville’s offensive effort is led by junior outside hitter Justine Landi and senior outside hitter Tatyana Kolesnikova. Both have more than 200 kills this season. It will take quite a defensive stand from the Hoyas to stall these two offensive powers, and according to head coach Arlisa Williams, that defense begins with the all-important serve.
“We’re going to get in there and stay in front of them and play good defense,” Williams said. “If we can serve tough it makes it a little tougher for them to run their offense.”
The Hoyas will put their own dynamic offensive duo against the formidable Louisville defense. Freshman outside hitter Sara Manley and junior outside hitter Jessica Hardy are both approaching their 200th kills as well. Opposite Manley and Hardy, Louisville’s defense is led by junior Lecia Brown, who was the nation’s leading blocker last year and who has accumulated over 100 blocks already this season. But Williams is confident that her offensive stars will rise to the occasion with the help of their teammates and strong fundamentals.
“For Jessie and Sara to have a great match we all need to pass well and play defense,” she said. “I think we’re playing good volleyball and we don’t have anything to lose.”
