The gym was filled with tension, both for the players and fans, as the Bombers took on New York University in a tiebreaker fifth set to determine who would earn third place at the Bomber Invitational on Sept. 6.

Even fighting for third, the team never gave up hope and never let a ball drop without a body landing a second behind it. Throughout the tournament it was clear the team never lost one thing: pure heart. However, the fifth set ended with a devastating score of 17–15 to give NYU third place and the Blue and Gold fourth.

Their 5–3 overall record is an understatement of how well the team has played. Though the Bombers are riding a two-game losing streak, they have fought hard and played well in every match.

After finishing last season with a 30–9 record, the team has its sights set high for this fall. The Blue and Gold started the season off on a strong note going 3–1 at the Greyhound Premiere Tournament at Moravian College in August.

Despite home-court advantage in last weekend’s Bomber Invitational in the Ben Light Gymnasium, the team did not fare as well as they had on the road, going 2–2 and finishing fourth overall.

The loss was the South Hill squad’s second in the tournament after falling to Widener University early in the day.

“NYU was definitely a strong opponent,” senior captain Brianna D’Errico said. “However, the challenge ahead for our team is to minimize the rollercoaster-type play that was experienced in that match, and to finish the sets when we have an opportunity to do so.”

The match against the Violets was close throughout and aside from a 25–13 loss in the third set, the Blue and Gold never lost by more than three points in any other set.

Ithaca won the first and fourth sets of the match by scores of 24–26 and 22–25, but those were the only wins the Blue and Gold could take against NYU.

Senior Jen Heberton led the team with 15 kills and on the defensive side of the ball, sophomore Taylor Horton led the team with 19 digs.

Despite the loss, the team showed a strong positive attitude and lively team chemistry.

“Having team chemistry definitely helps,” Head Coach Janet Donovan said. “We ended up coming back and winning a five-game match against Hamilton [College] on Friday night because of it. It’s important for the girls to know they can rely on each other.”

After losing five seniors in 2007, the team is now highlighted by its underclassmen. While the younger players have proven their talent, they are still adjusting to playing at the collegiate level, D’Errico said.

“Our team has great chemistry, but the experience we graduated does not get replaced overnight,”  she said. “Our goal as a team is to play with more consistency, communication, aggressiveness and confidence because there is no doubt the potential is there. With each match, win or lose, the team learns more lessons in preparation for the Empire 8 conference games.”

After graduating, Amanda Hubbard ’08 has made a new addition to the coaching staff and her experience is benefitting the team.

Hubbard said she feels part of her role is to keep the seniors and juniors going in terms of leadership and to help them understand their roles on and off the court. This will ultimately contribute to the overall morale of the team, which is being led by co-captains D’Errico and junior Corinna Doctor.

“It really comes down to confidence,” D’Errico said. “It is expecting to win every time you take the court, playing like champions for every point and not fearing our opponents. We control our own destiny on our side of the court, and when our team completes each match, I hope we will walk off the court saying we gave 200 percent. Not just for ourselves but more importantly our team.”