Lynn Kirshbaum
The Georgetown volleyball team (12-11, 5-5 BE) is fulfilling its mantra of “growing to greatness.” After a disappointing 2007 season, the relatively small and inexperienced Hoyas have turned things around with junior outside hitter Jessica Hardy as their offensive leader, and the Hoyas are in a position to reach the post-season for the first time in six years.
Hardy spent her first two years at Georgetown playing defense as the team’s libero. She led the team in digs both years, but she knew she could only reach her full potential as an offensive presence for the team.
“Jessie came in and was a great passer for us,” head coach Arlisa Williams said. “[She] did a good job leading our team with passing and digs, but she’s got the mentality of an outside hitter.”
Hardy returned to Georgetown this preseason determined to finally earn the spot she’d had her eyes on since arriving on the Hilltop. She’s not only earned that position, but now leads the team’s offense with 215 kills.
“It’s been fun being able to work for it and to know I didn’t just come in with it,” Hardy said. “I feel accomplished, but at the same time I know I have to keep working hard.”
Hardy, a California native, grew up playing volleyball both on the beach and on the court, and she brings a wealth of experience to the team.
“She has all the shots in the book and finds a way to get the job done,” Williams said. “Her overall game knowledge is one of the highest on the team.”
The squad is currently in the middle of a two-game conference skid, after dropping decisions to powerhouses Louisville and Cincinnati. But with two more games this weekend against UConn and St. John’s, followed by a regular season-ending home stand against Villanova and Seton Hall, the Hoyas still have a shot at achieving their post-season goal. If they are to accomplish this, however, it is almost certain that Hardy’s skills will be featured prominently in the success.
“As a team, we want to make the Big East tournament,” she said. “We have to win three out of four to get a solid spot. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but it’s definitely attainable.”
