Volleyball sends seniors out with win against Duke

Before yesterday's match against ACC-leading Duke, the Terrapin volleyball team's four seniors walked onto the Comcast Pavilion court with their parents and families to applause from fans and hugs from teammates in recognition of all they had accomplished in their college careers.

Just less than two hours later, the Terps were again commemorating what proved to be a special day for their seniors. An emotional 3-1 upset marked the first time any player on the Terp roster had beaten the Blue Devils in their playing careers.

"I'm just really happy, really excited, really proud," senior libero Bethany Springer said. "Since we've been here, we haven't beat Duke, so this match is huge for us."

"It's perfect," senior middle Brittney Grove said. "It was, ‘Do whatever it takes to get it done,' and that's what we did."

After falling to Duke (22-5, 14-3 ACC) in the first set, 25-21, it looked as if the Terps would potentially fall flat on Senior Day. But the team rallied around its four seniors and stormed back into the match, winning the next three sets en route to a four-set victory.

And with a straight-sets victory over Wake Forest (17-11, 9-8) on Friday, the Terps (19-10, 10-7) won both of their weekend contests for the first time in ACC play, ending a stretch of seven straight weekend splits.

"I don't think this could be a better day for our seniors or our program," coach Tim Horsmon said. "Without [the weekend sweep,] we would have probably fallen out of an NCAA look, but right now they're going to have to look at us."

But the story of the weekend for the Terps was their seniors. And they didn't disappoint. Grove finished the match with a double-double in kills and digs, including a career-high 16 kills, and Springer continued her solid play with 24 digs in what Horsmon called "one of her best matches."

Even the contributions of the team's lesser-known seniors could not be understated, Horsmon said. After suffering an injury earlier this season, outside hitter Michelle Kenning has been a terrific vocal leader for the Terps all season, according to Horsmon, and defensive specialist Marissa Odom has provided great energy for the team.

"This was the culmination of three years of putting a lot of work in," Horsmon said. "These seniors really stuck it out through some tough times, really worked hard and were really loyal to this program."

With three matches left this season, the Terps are still fighting for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. But after yesterday's result, they planned on simply spending some time to enjoy the win and what it meant to their seniors.

"There was so many emotions, and it was just awesome," Grove said. "For us seniors, it was just the perfect, perfect ending to go out of Comcast."

vitale@umdbk.com