Volleyball Hosts Successful Cherry and White Scrimmage

Volleyball Hosts Successful Cherry and White Scrimmage

8.19.16 | Women's Volleyball

PHILADELPHIA -- In one final tune-up before the season begins next week, the Temple Volleyball team hosted a Cherry and White Scrimmage on Friday night. Though closed to the public, the scrimmage provided the Owls a chance to experience match-like conditions and test the skills they've been working on throughout pre-season.

"This is a great event for the players, especially for the newcomers," said sixth year head coach Bakeer Ganesharatam. "It gives them a good idea of the setup of a match and what the atmosphere can be. Plus it lets them get some of the nerves out of their system before the season opener."

Team White prevailed 2-1 (27-25, 25-23, 18-25) in a three-set match, but both teams showed that the Owls are ready for the 2016 season.

"All three newcomers did a very good job today," noted Ganesharatnam. "I was pleasantly surprised at how well they performed and how much they are already integrated into the team, and that's a huge positive for us."

Team White was comprised of senior Tyler Davis, juniors Irem Asci and Janine Simmons, sophomores Carla Guennewig, Mia Heirakuji, and Hannah Vandegrift, and freshman Dana Westfield. ???????Team Cherry was made up of senior Caroline Grattan and Kirsten Overton, juniors Dara Peric, Izzy Rapacz, and Kyra Coundourides, and sophomore Iva Deak.

The 2016 season officially begins on Friday, August 26, with the Owls hosting the Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia Temple Invitational. Temple will face a tough Northern Arizona team in the tournament opener, set for 6:00 p.m. at McGonigle Hall.