Several factors marked the 2001 season as different from the outset. First, a rules change called for rally scoring instead of sideouts. To compensate, games are played to 30 points instead of the usual 15, except in the deciding fifth frame.
Second, Amherst introduced a new strategy to their style of play. Head Coach Sue Everden added a second setter to give the team more offensive combinations.
The Firedogs began their season by playing 12 out of their season-opening 14 matches at home. During the three-week stretch, the squad hosted one of the season's three NESCAC Quads, the Amherst Volleyball Classic and the Amherst Invite. During the NESCAC Quad, held the weekend of Sept. 14, Amherst tore through Tufts University and Hamilton College before losing to Williams College. Amherst defeated Middlebury College, to end the Quad on a sweet note.
Then, on Sept. 19, the Firedogs held off regional rival Keene State College.
Sept. 21 brought the Volleyball Classic, usually held at MIT, to Amherst. The Classic matched Amherst against Rhode Island College, Colby College, Wesleyan University and Tufts. The 'Dogs came off the court victorious in all their matches, save for a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Wesleyan-a harbinger of matches to come.
After staving off Mount Holyoke College during a five-game marathon-the longest match the Amherst women played in since their season opener-on Sept. 27, the squad returned to LeFrak for a third consecutive home weekend at the Amherst Invite. At the Invite, Amherst maintained its dominance over Westfield State College, Eastern Connecticut State University and Coast Guard.
After heading to Trinity College for a 3-0 win on Oct. 3, the squad turned to Bowdoin for the third NESCAC Quad on Oct. 5. The Firedogs ravaged the host Polar Bears 3-0, climbing over Colby and Bates College on the way.
"The first Quad, we hadn't had much of a chance to come together," said Co-captain Erica Hewes '02. "By the Bowdoin and Tufts Quads, we were a lot more comfortable, and we'd had more experience playing together. Right now, were in a great position and we're improving each game."
Oct. 12 brought the fourth NESCAC Quad, this time at Tufts. A win against Trinity gave Everden her 350th career win. Everden currently holds a career record of 351-153 over her 13-year span at Amherst. "Three hundred and fifty wins is a tribute to the exceptional young women that have played with immense pride for Amherst College," said Everden.
Amherst then took down Conn. College before falling to Wesleyan. The 'Dogs finished the Quad at 19-3 by defeating Westfield State.
All of the Firedogs' losses to date have been to teams within the NESCAC. The two losses to Wesleyan, only one of which counts in the conference record, leave Amherst just behind the Cardinals in the NESCAC standings.
The Little III Tournament, which will be at home on Oct. 27, will be a preview of the possible championship game at the NESCAC Tournament.
"The Little III should be a tough competition. Playing Williams again will be great since we haven't seen them since the beginning of the season and a lot has changed since then," said Hewes. "We can beat both of these teams, and I think it will be a great weekend."
The key to the Firedogs' victorious run has been a heavy offense and a willful defense. The 2001 squad boasts a balanced roster that leaves Everden with many options to choose from. Currently, the squad boasts 13.8 kills per game for a total of 965 slams, 331 of which have come off the hand of Hewes. The Firedogs have been dominant from behind the service line, almost quadrupling the number of service aces offered by their opponents, with a team total of 187.
On defense, blocking has become a large consideration of the Firedog repertoire this season, led by the sophomore duo of Lauren Wong and Natalie Brooks, who have contributed more than half of the team's 262 blocks.
Amherst will host Hall of Fame Tournament action tonight, where they are scheduled to face Brandeis University, and most likely a later stint against regional power Wellesley College. Following continuing Hall of Fame action at Smith College on Saturday, the Firedogs will return to Northampton for an away date on Thursday. Following the game, the squad will turn its sights towards the Little III and NESCAC Tournaments to determine whether or not the Firedogs will see their fourth-consecutive NCAA Tournament.
"The NESCAC has gotten a lot better," said Hewes. "There have been a lot of upsets, which you don't usually see."