October 25 marked the final game of an exciting season for Bryn Mawr’s volleyball team. For three months, the Owls trained hard for their 21 season matches, closing with an away game at Swarthmore College. Overall, they ended 6-15.
To break it down, the season started with 10 non-conference matches before playing in the Centennial Conference. The Conference began on September 24, heralded by a Homecoming game against Gettysburg College.
As early as September 21, the team fought for — and achieved — their sixth non-conference win of the season: hitting their best win total since 2015. After four close sets with Gwynedd Mercy University, Bryn Mawr pulled through with a score of 3-1 in a home game. This was a huge moment and aptly represents the ever-strengthening nature of the team.
Under the strong leadership of head coach Coach Kirby are 12 dedicated players. This season two team members were studying abroad, bringing their active players to a count of 10. Included in this roster is sophomore Zoe Boxill, who was thrillingly named Defensive Player of the Week by the Centennial Conference on September 13. Also of note are the three freshman recruits welcomed to the team this year: Anna Dravk, Elise Perry and Micah Sheppard.
Bryn Mawr Volleyball has a smaller team than most of their competitors, but that does not stop them from giving every game their all. When speaking to Coach Kirby about the team’s strengths, she voiced that the team’s size allows players to have more playing time and gain a stronger awareness of their teammates on the court. Bryn Mawr’s unique numbers have forged a spectacularly tightly knit group.
Freshman middle blocker Elise Perry, who has already landed a shocking 193 kills, articulates her experience on the team thus far. “Everyone gets along so well on and off of the court. We play together as a unit and hold each other accountable. We celebrate each other’s accomplishments no matter how big or small these achievements seem.” The close and supportive nature of the team only benefits them on the court.
Unfortunately, the Owls did not see victory in any Conference matches this year. Seniors Sydney Collings and Sydney Munnerlyn still leave a great legacy behind with their last volleyball season.
For the future, Coach Kirby stays committed to building a stronger volleyball program at Bryn Mawr. This year’s freshmen were the largest number of recruits yet, and Coach Kirby continues her search for more prospective recruits. Bryn Mawr Volleyball is becoming a more competitive team due to these efforts. If the team continues to commit their hard work from this season, they can hope to see even more wins next year.
