The Syracuse volleyball team just wants a nap.

After a season-ending road trip beginning with Virginia Tech (18-10, 8-3 Big East) tonight and Miami (22-4, 8-3) on Sunday, the Orangewomen (19-10, 5-6) finally get to relax.

‘It’s going to be strange to have so much free time,’ freshman Aila Dommestrup said. ‘Sleep is definitely the key. I can take a nap in the middle of the day if I want now.’

Since arriving in Syracuse for summer practice, SU’s schedule has been a daily ritual of practice, games and generally being busy.

Freshman Jessica Logan said during the season she rarely has time to socialize with non-volleyball friends.

‘We really have no social life,’ Logan said. ‘Now, I’ll get to see my friends outside of volleyball. Now, I can broaden my social background.’

Logan and sophomore Ashley Kimes said the end of the season will bring an end to the minor aches and pains suffered throughout the season. Each day, the Orangewomen leave practice with ice bags taped to their legs. Kimes said they always get strange looks returning home after practice.

‘We actually get time to recover,’ Kimes said.

The end of the season is bittersweet for lone senior Abby Van Mater. She said no longer being part of the team will feel odd.

‘It’s different this year,’ Van Mater said, ‘because I will be completely done. I’ll be like a normal student.’

Van Mater said the end of the year will provide more time for studying. She will graduate in May with a degree in marketing.

Last year’s Orangewomen finished the season with a grade-point average of more than 3.0, earning the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s team academic award.

Players said academics will be a priority with a less hectic schedule.

‘I have the time to concentrate more on my studies,’ co-captain Christen Casey said. ‘I’ll get to be a normal student.’

Closing the season in Florida, the Orangewomen are excited to get a break from Syracuse’s traditionally overcast and gloomy skies. This weekend’s forecast for Syracuse calls for ice and snow, while Miami will be 73 degrees and partly sunny.

‘It better be hot down there,’ Kimes said. ‘If all we see is the inside of the gym, I will be very angry.”

After the season, SU will continue to have conditioning sessions at least twice a week.

‘I don’t think I’ll know what to do with myself,” Logan said.

‘I’m going to miss it,’ Dommestrup said. ‘That’s for sure.’

Published on November 14, 2002 at 12:00 pm