W. Spikers Can Only Improve on 1992

For the Harvard women's volleyball team, things can only get better, and that is no understatement.

Last season's team lost every Ivy league match it played. The Crimson finished the Ivy League's regular season with an 0-7 record, and exited the first round of the Ivy tournament after prompt and unequivocal losses to Pennsylvania and Columbia.

Outside of the league, Harvard won four times and lost six. But all that is over.

The 1993 season begins with some significant changes in the women's volleyball program, starting with a new head coach.

Interim head coach Jennifer Bates has replaced Wayne Lem, who coached for seven seasons and compiled a record of 74-95.

Bates said she the team wants to put the past behind it and is ready for this season.

"I am looking forward to getting started," Bates said. "We've worked hard during preseason."

Bates was last year's assistant volleyball coach. The former All-Conference outside hitter graduated from Bentley College in 1988.

Bates said the burden of leadership will fall on senior co-captains Jennifer Garcia and Rachel Heit.

Garcia missed most of last season with an injury and will reassume her all-important role of setter this year.

Young players who were thrown into the cauldron of last season's Ivy competition should also contribute. Sophomore Jennifer Jose was deemed "a force in the League" by Lem after her freshman season. Rookies Lisa Grant and Heather Rypkema should also be key players.