The Syracuse volleyball team returned from Harrisonburg, Va., with two victories, added confidence and a better sense of camaraderie.

The Orangewomen improved their record to 5-1 with wins over James Madison and Campbell in the JMU/Days Inn Classic last weekend. Syracuse also picked up its first loss of 2002, to undefeated Maryland.

The James Madison tournament was the first road trip of the season and a new experience for the young team. Sophomore outside hitter Morgan Jones said the seven-hour bus ride gave the team time to become closer.

‘It was a good bonding experience,’ sophomore outside hitter Ashley Kimes said. ‘Half the team had a little philosophical conversation in the back of the bus for two hours.”

The road trip began with the loss to Maryland — which Syracuse assistant coach Alexis Dankulic said would be a tough early test. The Terps, led by tournament most valuable player Lynnsy Jones, defeated the Orangewomen in three games.

‘Maryland posed a good challenge for us,’ Kimes said. ‘The tournament more resembled the competitive level of teams we will play later in the season.”

The Orangewomen followed the loss with a victory against James Madison. The five-game win was the first time this season Syracuse was forced to a winner-take-all fifth game.

‘It was a very intense match,” Jones said. “We were behind two games, and it took a lot for the team to come back and win it.”

Kristen Conway and Jessica Logan, both freshmen, led the Orangewomen with 14 kills in SU’s first road victory of the season. Even in the loss to Maryland, Jones felt the Orangewomen played well.

Co-captain Christen Casey continued her solid play as Syracuse’s libero with 16 digs against the hosts. She was named to her second all-tournament team in a week.

Syracuse finished the tournament with a three-game win versus Campbell. Conway continued to lead the Orangewomen in kills with 10, and junior Michaela Skelly picked up 33 assists.

Syracuse’s 5-1 record is the best since it started 9-1 in 1991. The Orangewomen travel to Binghamton today for a 7 p.m. match against the Bearcats (1-5). Syracuse will attempt to continue its dominance against regional opponents. Since 1995, the Orangewomen are 38-4 versus New York teams.

Jones hopes the short road trip will add to the Orangewomen’s success away from Manley Field House.

‘We are getting better,” Jones said, “and as a very young team that is good.”

Published on September 10, 2002 at 12:00 pm