__Tribe in CAA tourney in Hill’s final season__
Led by veteran Head Coach Debbie Hill, the fourth-seeded Tribe (14-14, 8-6) takes on the fifth-seed James Madison University Dukes (16-12, 7-7) in the CAA quarterfinals this Friday.
p. Though the Tribe leads 38-30 in lifetime matches between the two schools, the Dukes swept the Tribe 3-0 in October during the regular season. However, his loss has not changed the team’s confidence level.
p. “We’re not nervous at all, we’re actually pretty excited,” Head Coach Debbie Hill said. “The last time we played JMU was the worst match of the entire year, so if that’s what they are expecting they are in for a big surprise. We have been working hard and have improved greatly since that game.”
p. As a team, the College’s squad has racked up impressive statistics. The Tribe ranks third in digs (18.38) and fourth in blocks (2.46). Individually, several members of the team stand out. Earlier this week, freshman Erin Skipper was named CAA rookie of the week for the second time this year following strong performances against the University of Delaware and University of Towson. She currently leads the Tribe in kills and ranks ninth in the CAA. Fellow freshman Ginny Bray is third in the league in blocks, while junior Molly Bohman ranks fifth. On attack, junior Kim Mount ranks third in the CAA in assists.
p. This will be the last CAA championship campaign for Hill, who will retire after this season.
p. “Right now I’m just looking forward to the challenge of this upcoming game,” Hill said. “I don’t think it will be my last match; I think we have a great shot at the championships.”
p. Hill boasts a 552-392 (.585) lifetime record, and claimed 56 consecutive league wins during her career at the College. Under her watch, 29 players were named all-conference and four were honored as player of the year.
p. Hill is confident that the program will be in good hands after she leaves.
p. “[I have] a knowledge that the team will carry on the way we have been, continuing to work hard and become even better than we are now,” Hill said. “I think everyone when they leave expects the person who comes behind them will be a phenomenal coach and continue doing things the right way.”