Farewell to seniors, preparing for next season
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 12/02/2009
sponsored by
The Boilermakers have a few regrets about this season but know that they will be able to improve next year.
The Purdue volleyball team (14-17, 6-14 Big Ten) wrapped up its season on Saturday finishing seventh in the Big Ten. The Boilermakers had several challenges throughout the year but also had a few personal triumphs.
“It obviously didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to,” senior outside hitter Carrie Gurnell said. “I was telling the girls that they have a really good future. In the middle of the season, we kind of looked back and we wished we could have done this and that. I think next year they’re going to come out killing people because they have their whole future ahead of them. They’ll have a clean slate.”
The Boilermakers’ roster was composed of 12 underclassmen; however, two freshman received several accolades throughout the season. Middle hitter Anna Drewry was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week three times in a row while outside hitter Ariel Turner was awarded the honor twice and named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
Other honors were bestowed on the Boilermakers this season when junior middle blocker Kristen Arthurs was named a Preseason All-Big Ten selection and to the Academic All-District V first team. Also, sophomore middle blocker Tiffany Fisher received honorable mention All-Big Ten honors averaging 2.30 kills per set.
The Boilers will now look to replace Gurnell, who averaged a team-best 3.17 kills per game, and fellow senior Sam Ainsworth. Gurnell believes there are several players who will continue to improve next season.
“I think everybody will step up,” Gurnell said. “I can’t really pick a single person out because the seniors who have been leaders the whole time are going to continue leading. There’s a couple of redshirts out here that are just waiting to get on the floor and they’re going to be working hard. The girls that are freshman that are already playing are just going to keep getting better and better. Everyone’s on the right track and everyone’s going to contribute next year.”
The Boilers started the season ranked No. 19 but had to play very competitive Big Ten teams this season, losing several in five sets. Coach Dave Shondell believes his team will be hungry next season to get back to the top of the Big Ten and return to the NCAA tournament.
“(We look) to get better,” Shondell said. “I think we need will work hard and our team will work harder than ever to prove to people that we can finish a lot better than we did this year.”