Dan DaranciangThis past weekend, the No. 1-ranked Washington University volleyball team hosted the third annual Teri Clemens Invitational, a tournament that the University had never won. The Bears did not know what to expect, playing three elite opponents in No. 13 ranked Trinity University, No. 2 Juniata College and No. 8 University of La Verne. Along with WU, each one of the four teams playing in this weekend’s tournament has won a National Championship in the last four years. But the Bears were not fazed and extended their undefeated record to 11-0, sweeping the competition.
In a rematch of last season’s title game, the University defeated Juniata in four games (30-17, 30-28, 26-30, 30-27).
“The win against Juniata was an importantÿone,” head coach Rich Luenemann said.ÿ”Although we didn’t talk about it a lot, I’m sure the Bears had the match circled in red on their calendars. I don’t believe a ‘revenge’ element came into play; the Bears just wanted to perform very well against the number two team in the nation.”
Sophomore and All-Tournament Team member Emilie Walk led the Bears with a .448 hitting percentage while contributing 15 kills. Junior Whitney Smith added 15 kills of her own, while senior captain Kara Liefer and sophomore Haleigh Spencer each contributed seven.
The Bears continued the successful weekend, beating Trinity in four games (30-23, 30-28, 28-30, 30-26). Senior Megan Houck led the Bears with an astonishing 20 kills and a .594 hitting percentage. Liefer recorded 54 assists in the game as well.
“I’mÿvery proud of the leadership of our seniors, both on and off the court. They set the toneÿfor our play and practice and are great role models.ÿIt’s a clich‚, but it’s so true that they lead by example,” commented Luenemann.
With Houck, three other Bears registered over 11 kills.
In the last game of the tournament, the Bears beat La Verne in five games (27-30, 22-30, 30-16, 30-27, 15-11).
“Saturday’s win capped off a succession of seven victories over Top 15 opponents. The Bears have really been pushed and responded well each time,” said Leunemann.
Dropping the first two games proved to be enough to motivate the team as they were able to recover and keep their win streak alive.
“When you’re facing an elite team, you may be playing well but not looking smooth,” added Leunemann.ÿ”One of a team’s primary goals is to disrupt an opponent’s flow. When you take a team out of its flow, it affects their ability to stay in sync and execute. It was evident that was a focus of La Verne’s play, especially when they reverted to an off-speed game later in the match. Fortunatelyÿour defense played well, and our transition to offense was easier.”
Whitney Smith led the offensive attack for the Bears with 16 kills, while Walk contributed 15 and Houck another 14.
“I’m really pleased with the balance of our play over the last few weekends.ÿ We’re not a one-dimensional team with one or two superstars and everyone else a role player.ÿ Each starter has stepped up and made major contributions to our success. Five players have received All-Tournament honors during our three tournaments.ÿThat’s remarkable and a testament to our balance. Our wins have been team wins,” said Luenemann.
Defensively for the Bears, junior Amy Bommarito had another solid weekend with 53 digs.
Coming off a tough two-weekend schedule, the Bears will face University of Missouri St. Louis on Wednesday night.
With a dominating performance against elite competition, Luenemann also acknowledged the ‘seventh man’.
“The rowdy crowd was a major reason for our wins this weekend,” said Leunemann.ÿ”They were very involved, and their energy motivated the team. It was evident they were having a lot ofÿfun,ÿandÿIÿhopeÿthey continueÿto support all Wash. U.’s teams with the sameÿlevel of zest.ÿThey made a difference, and that’s exactly what you want your crowd to do.”