Pam Buzzetta/Student Life
If you haven’t already done so, take note now of the 2002 Washington University Women’s Volleyball team, because by the end of the season, you will want to jump on the bandwagon.
The Bears returned from Colorado College late Sunday night winners of the 2002 Molten Pikes Peaks Challenge. By winning the tournament, the fourth-ranked Bears moved to 4-0 in the young season.
Even before the tournament started, coach Rich Luenemann was sure good things were going to happen. “We had an omen,” Luenemann said. “On our first trip to the gym, as we got close, we saw a bear cub walking along the side of the road. It’s definitely going to be the year of the bear.”
His prediction held true as the Bears took their first two matches of the tournament by knocking off both Gustavus Adolphus College and long-time nemesis Central College 3-0.
“The kids deserve all the credit, we have a very well-balanced team and are outstandingly talented,” said Luenemann. Despite the seemingly easy victories, both coach Luenemann and first team all-tournament player Colleen Winter said there was plenty of room for improvement. Coach Luenemann stressed that the team allowed its opponents to get back into the game when they should have been put away.
“There were a few times when we allowed the other team to get back into the match, but we found a way to win the crucial points,” said Luenemann.
Winter also believed there was room for improvement, but that the team will surely improve as the season progresses. “It’s still early in the season. As we gain experience and improve our team chemistry we’re going to improve.”
The second day of the tournament proved to be just as successful as the first. In their first match, they defeated 20th ranked Whitworth College 3-0. After cruising through game one, 30-21, the Bears held off a furious charge by Whitworth and won game two 30-28. Game two seemed to take all of the fight out of Whitworth and the Bears finished them off easily 30-18.
The match marked Coach Luenemann’s 100th victory, surely one of the many milestones that will come in Luenemann’s career at WU. “Once again, this is a tribute to our incredible players, they worked hard and played great. I’m very fortunate to coach such a talented team.”
Following the Whitworth win, the Bears faced the host of the tournament, Colorado College. The hosts played a phenomenal first game and forced the Bears to hit only .189. Once again, however, the Bears rose to the occasion when the points became more and more important, and took the first game 31-29. After staving off Colorado College in game one, the Bears dominated the rest of the match, winning 30-17 and 30-20.
Senior co-captain Rebecca Rotello, who was later named tournament MVP, led the Bears in their final match with 36 assists and 10 digs. All-tournament junior Katie Quinn added 13 kills, while Amy Brand also chipped in with 11 kills and 10 digs.
Fellow first team all-tournament player Colleen Winter said that the Bears used this opening tournament to try and set the tone for the season. “We started the way we expected. We played hard and set the tone. Teams will always bring their best game for us, so it’s important for us to stay focused each game.”
Coach Luenemann reiterated the fact that teams bring their best game when they play the Bears, but insisted that WU will use that to gain experience. “We must be able to compete despite adversity, and every time we play, we have a bulls-eye on our back because we are a premiere program, but we use that challenge to improve.”
Both the players and the coach have high hopes and expectations about the season. They are 12-0 in games and hold a 4-0 record so far this season. The fourth-ranked Division III women’s volleyball program in the nation is only going to improve. Not only is the talent there, but apparently, it’s the year of the bear.