Athlete of the Week: Sophomore Setter Leads Volleyball Into First Place

With the Harvard women’s volleyball team (15-4, 8-2 Ivy) playing its games on Halloween last weekend, sophomore setter Corinne Bain didn’t need to dress up for the matchups— she is already a monster on the court.

Bain served up a few of her tricks this weekend, booking her seventh triple-double with 11 kills, 21 assists, and 23 digs against Brown in a 3-1 win. The sophomore displayed her prowess the next day against archrival Yale after notching her eighth triple-double with 10 kills, 25 assists, and 15 digs in a three-set sweep of the Bulldogs. Her performance helped her team earn its seventh consecutive win and a first-place spot in the Ivy League.

For those keeping up with the Crimson, you will know this is nothing new for Bain. Not a game goes by where the second-year star’s presence isn’t felt on the court.

“It is hard to point out something especially remarkable from Corinne because she consistently brings so much intensity and competitiveness to every match she plays,” captain Caroline Walters said. “Her defense and specifically digging has improved a ton over the past few weeks and I think that was really crucial this weekend.”

The setter has amassed 379 kills, 1049 assists, 86 aces, 456 digs, and 89 solo and assisted blocks during her two-year career with the Crimson. She currently holds the record for single-season aces with 50 and has won seven Ivy League weekly awards.

Coming off a strong freshman season, Bain reminded everyone why she was named the Ivy League Rookie of the Year and the No. 2 freshman in the NCAA. In the first regular season game against Santa Clara, she registered eight digs, four blocks, eight kills, and 27 assists.

“I think with a year of experience under my belt, I am able to play my game and be a leader on the court,” Bain said. “My position requires leadership and this year I feel confident enough to lead my teammates in high-pressure matches.”

The setter has continued to improve since the season began. So far, she has 12 triple-doubles and 27 double-doubles under her belt, two coming this past weekend.

“She definitely leads by example and influences everyone else to play with more intent,” Walters said. “She also motivates people with her words on court and her attitude makes people want to really step up and do their jobs.”

This past weekend wasn’t the first time Yale struggled to deal with the sophomore star. In the team’s first match against the Bulldogs this season, Bain recorded another triple-double with 11 kills, 32 assists, and 12 digs. She also had a season-best six aces.

“It felt amazing and most importantly, rewarding,” Bain said of sweeping the Elis. “We have been working so hard for this and it was such a rewarding experience to beat Yale in their own gym.”

As the team approaches the last few games of Ivy League play against Princeton, Penn, Cornell, and Columbia, the Crimson will need Bain’s skills to maintain its place at the top.

“She has always been something of a natural leader on the court because of her competitive nature and personality,” Walters said. “The team can always trust her to perform and she always has a constant and strong on-court presence that others can look to. She is very consistent in her attitude and approach.”

With only three seniors on the team, Bain has taken on a leadership role as an underclassman.  Leadership has come naturally to the Manhattan Beach, Calif., native, Walters noted, who was a force to be reckoned with on her high school team.

“I think Corinne has a bright future ahead of her and she is right on her way to becoming even more of a leader to this team,” Walters added. “Her drive and competitive spirit leave me with no doubt that she will continue to have a strong and lasting impact on the team and the program.”