The Georgetown women’s volleyball team (6-11, 0-4 Big East) had a rough Homecoming weekend in more ways than one, dropping two home matches in four sets against Seton Hall (15-2, 3-1) and Rutgers (15-4, 1-3) to extend their losing streak to 10.
While the team has a lot of areas for growth in terms of passing and setting, one bright spot has been the rising star of sophomore middle blocker Dani White. The Mission Viejo, Ca. native hit above .300 in both games over the weekend, and racked up a match-high 15 kills against the Pirates to help win the Hoyas a set over the then Big East leader.
White has also been one of the few consistent defenders at the net. During the weekend’s games White assisted on nine blocks, raising her season total to a team-high 66.
When asked about her success, White credits her teammates. “Volleyball is one of those sports where you can’t have a Kobe Bryant who can take it all by himself. Every action is dictated by previous actions so I can’t do as well as I am now without my teammates being just as good. You see the games where I go off, that’s a reflection on the other five women on the court with me.”
One significant influence on White has been the team’s other middle blocker, senior team captain Lindsay Wise, who has been a respected leader on this team in her final season as a Hoya. “I came in with Lindsay last year. We were the only two middles on the team and so we just had this automatic bond,” White said.
White specifically thanked Wise for teaching her how to be a better teammate even when things aren’t going well on the court. “Being able to relate to my teammates and be able to pull them out of their ruts and be able to help them get better, that’s definitely something that Lindsay Wise has taught me,” White said.
Head Coach Arlisa Williams reiterated Wise’s special light and spirit on the court, describing her as a “nurturer.”
“We’re going to miss Lindsay a lot when she’s gone. She has been a huge part of us building this program. She’s got a huge presence on the court for us,” Coach Williams said.
When asked about her experience here as a Hoya and what this final season means to her, Wise burst into tears leaning on her teammate for support. It seems the Hoyas can’t find the words to describe what this loss will mean for them, as they look to rebuild after a season that has been filled with all too many losses already.
