At the beginning of the season, the Virginia volleyball team was uncertain to how its young players would perform.
"As far as court experience, we are pretty young," junior co-captain Kristin Chaney said at the beginning of the season. "But I think we have a ton of talent -- a ton of raw volleyball talent -- and if we can bring it together, that's going to be the key to our success."
The young Cavaliers, who have only four upperclassmen on the roster, have responded well, as they have jumped out to an impressive 10-2 record to start the season. Virginia's starting lineup has been crucial to its early success, and it reflects the team's youth. Three of the four players who have started every match this season -- Sarah Kirkwood, Emily Kirkwood and Lindsay Osco -- are underclassmen.
Especially noteworthy is the play of freshmen Melissa Caldwell and Sarah Kirkwood. Caldwell has taken over the libero position, one that was left vacant when Cavalier legend Whitney Ashcraft graduated last May. Caldwell has flourished so far this season, leading the team in digs with 214 while playing in all 12 matches. Kirkwood also has played impressively this season, leading the Virginia offense with 224 kills. She has led the Cavaliers in kills in 10 of their 12 matches.
"We recruited these kids knowing we would need them to start right away, not developmental players," Virginia coach Melissa Aldrich Shelton said. "We're very pleased with their performance, and I think they add a great competitive spirit to our team."
The other freshman to play this season, Katie Oakes, has started three matches and recorded 15 kills while hitting .324.
The 2004 season, however, has not been simply smooth sailing for the Cavaliers. Virginia has lost to two strong volleyball programs, then No. 23 Louisville and Wisconsin.
After both losses, the Cavaliers were able to respond with win streaks. The young Virginia team also was able to win against Penn after falling behind. That win was keyed by sophomore Emily Perilli, who was in the lineup in place of an injured Chaney.
Most recently, the youth movement of the team has continued, with Osco and Sarah Kirkwood being named to the all-tournament team for the Inn Towner Invitational this past weekend.
Despite the early accolades, Shelton would rather wait to play conference foes before rushing to judgment about her young players, especially her freshmen.
"[The freshmen] have met our expectations," she said. "But we really won't know where we will stand until ACC play begins."
ACC competition begins Friday at Wake Forest. The Cavaliers would like to make a statement in conference play after going 8-8 last year. This year's young team could be able to shake things up in a new-look ACC.
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