Leah Oyewole hits the ball in a duel last fall. (Jialing Sun | Student Life)
2023 was a season of ups and downs for the Washington University volleyball team. Although they posted six winning streaks of three or more games and finished 24-10 (5-2 in conference), a disappointing performance in the UAA Tournament resulted in a school-worst sixth-place finish in the UAA.
However, after securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament, the Bears secured a dominant first-round win over St. Olaf College. A loss to No. 4 University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in the second round ended WashU’s hopes of a Cinderella run. Still, the Bears were able to turn their 2023 season around and will try to make another postseason appearance in 2024.
Key players
Despite the loss of several key contributors, the Bears’ core remains intact heading into the 2024 season. The team’s success begins with their senior tandem of outside attackers: Jasmine Sells and Lucy Davis. Sells, an All-American Honorable Mention recipient and All-Region and All-UAA First-Team member, led the team with an impressive 440 kills and added 388 digs (second most on the team) and 44 blocks (third). Davis finished fifth with 200 kills in extended play. The senior players also include key defensive specialist Elise Gilroy and dominant middle blocker Zoe Foster, who led the team with 75 blocks.
The junior class is led by setter Sam Buckley, who took home All-UAA honors the last two seasons and earned honorable mention All-American honors in 2023. Buckley provides a calming presence on offense while also contributing positively on defense (fifth on the team in blocks).
The Bears also have several key young players, including two sophomores: All-UAA Honorable Mention right wing Leah Oyewole and libero Ellie Laird. Look for contributions from freshmen and other sophomores as the season progresses.
Finally, the Bears’ roster is rounded out by three fifth-year players: Isabella Lipacis, an outside hitter who previously played at Colorado College; Lauren McCurley, a middle blocker who spent four years at Division II McKendree University; and returning center/right wing hitter Lily Steinbach.
Important encounters
Head coach Vanessa Walby, now in her 11th season, will look to lead the Bears to their third UAA title during her tenure. Walby continues to use her tactical skills to enhance the Bears’ robust offense and defensive success. Playing in one of the most competitive divisions in Division III, the Bears will once again face several tough Conference duels, Many of them are at home at WashU Fieldhouse. To get a first look at the Bears against national competition, watch them host California Lutheran University, Trinity University (Texas) and Tufts University in the East-to-West Battle on Sept. 6-7.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Starting Line before the team’s rosters and schedule were available online. The article was updated on August 16, 2024 to include additional information.
