Rams showcase depth, talent in season debut

Cornell's volleyball team showcased its depth and ability Saturday, tipping off the 2011 season with three convincing victories in the Viking Invitational at Augustana College's Carver Center.

The Rams did not surrender a single set in sweeping past Aurora (25-16, 25-11, 25-10), Greenville (25-15, 25-19, 25-21) and Knox (25-13, 25-14, 25-21).

Sophomore outside hitter Kathleen O'Connor earned all-tournament honors. She was among several Rams - many of them first-year players - who made favorable early impressions on 10th-year head coach Jeff Meeker.

"Overall, it was a great team effort, with positive contributions from all 14 players," Meeker said. "It was a great way to start our new season. We played at a very high level in stretches and showed the potential this team possesses. While we have much work to do, I am encouraged with the start."

O'Connor, the 2010 Iowa Conference Freshman of the Year, had a productive stat line of 25 kills, 19 digs and eight service aces with only one reception error in 26 attempts. She hit .246 for the day and whistled five aces in the Aurora match.

"Katie has the ability to take over a match with her point-scoring ability," Meeker said. "Her jump serve was very good and her shot-making ability continues to develop."

Freshmen Taylor Dicus and Kylea Weber, both of Mount Vernon, enjoyed stellar Cornell debuts. Dicus, a 6-foot-2 middle hitter, posted a hefty .600 hitting percentage with 23 kills in 35 attempts. She recorded 11 total blocks - two solo - and added three aces. Weber, the team's libero, was a perfect 34-of-34 in serve reception and finished with 21 digs.

"Taylor was a force in the middle. With her length, she can hit over the block and plays very efficiently," Meeker said. "Weber was very good in serve receive, and defensively, she covers a lot of real estate and makes very few errors."

Freshmen setters Sabrina Hargis and Kelsey Gaillot each pitched in 42 assists. Gaillot shared team-high honors with 21 digs and had three aces, while Hargis added nine kills.

"Kelsey and Sabrina both did a great job running our team," Meeker said. "They played with a great deal of poise and confidence."

Senior Samantha Pedersen finished with 15 kills, followed by Kirtley Hitt and Katie Sickelka each with 10. Hitt provided six blocks, and Kayla Gaines scooped up 15 digs.

Cornell totaled 23 aces in the tournament, with nine different players contributing to the ace column. The Rams finished with a .269 team hitting percentage.

Coming up - The Rams open the home portion of their schedule tonight (Labor Day) in a 7:30 p.m. match against the Grinnell Pioneers. Cornell dives into IIAC play Wednesday, Sept. 7 at rival Coe.

"We are very excited about our home opener and are expecting a great crowd," Meeker said. "Coe will be a tremendous test for us (Wednesday). They are an experienced and improved team with added firepower. It will be a great atmosphere and a great match."

Cornell travels to the Grinnell Tournament this weekend with a Friday match scheduled against Grinnell and Saturday contests against Iowa Wesleyan and Westminster.