A weekend of domination for the Syracuse volleyball team could be a sign of things to come.

Syracuse (19-9, 5-5 Big East) swept Boston College (12-14, 2-6) and Providence (2-25, 0-9) this weekend at the Women’s Building, encouraging the young team to look at the possibilities for next season.

‘(Friday night) was just a preview,’ freshman Kristen Conway said. ‘We have the whole summer to work, and it’s just going to get better.’

Conway, one of five Orangewomen freshmen who play regularly, starred against Boston College, picking up 20 kills and 9 digs to help Syracuse defeat the Eagles.

‘She played unbelievably,’ co-captain Abby Van Mater said. ‘It was like outside-hitting practice for her. Every ball was down no problem.’

The Orangewomen began Friday night’s match with eight consecutive service points from Aila Dommestrup, including five aces. Syracuse led the entire match against Boston College, which was without starting outside hitter Katie Andersen because of an ankle injury.

Assistant coach Alexis Dankulic said the Orangewomen have played with energy and confidence in winning their last three Big East matches. Syracuse’s strong finish this season shows potential for the Orangewomen’s future, she said.

‘The freshmen just keep getting better,’ Dankulic said, ‘and the upperclassmen just keep getting smarter. This bodes well for next season.’

Against Providence yesterday, Syracuse set a school record with a .544 hitting percentage. Van Mater led the Orangewomen with 11 kills on 13 attempts for a career-high .846 percentage.

With the top three conference teams left on Syracuse’s schedule, the Orangewomen hope they can pick up some impressive, confidence-building victories leading into next season.

‘If we keep the energy going,’ Conway said, ‘nobody is going to stop us.’

The Orangewomen will return nearly their entire team next season, losing only Van Mater to graduation. Syracuse has already eclipsed its Big East win total from a year ago. Winning six of its last seven matches, Syracuse’s has benefited from more consistent serving and a significantly higher hitting percentage.

Dommestrup, who led the Orangewomen in assists this weekend with 44, said SU is much improved from when it began conference play.

‘The second half of the season,’ Dommestrup said, ‘we have been on the same page all the time, finally playing together as a team.’

Syracuse’s improved play is especially satisfying to Van Mater, who will play in her final home match next Saturday. Syracuse finished with a winning record in each of Van Mater’s four seasons.

‘We’re finally playing so well,’ Van Mater said. ‘I’m glad we’re ending the season playing really well. It really is a lot of fun.’

Published on November 3, 2002 at 12:00 pm