Traditionally, sports teams look to veteran players to carry them through the final weeks of the regular season. Veteran leadership is generally viewed as key in any playoff run. That’s why it is such a bonus when a rookie steps up and plays well, as is the case with the UCSD women’s volleyball team and freshman outside hitter Stacy Dunsmore.
Guardian
Dunsmore improved her game over the last week of the season and earned the 2001 Molten California Collegiate Athletic Association Women’s Volleyball Player of the Week award for the week of Nov. 5 through Nov. 11 — the final week of the regular season.
For the week, Dunsmore averaged 4.38 kills per game on a .38 hitting average along with 2.9 digs per game and .88 service aces per game.
Though the numbers speak for themselves, Dunsmore was quick to point out that the team also deserved credit for the award.
“”I think that this award not only recognizes me, but the team as well,”” Dunsmore said. “”There are six people on the court and not just one. It shows that the team has been doing good things and coming up with big wins.””
Though just a freshman, Dunsmore has played beyond her years all season. She has not thought about her grade, but rather what she could do for the team.
“”I never doubted myself,”” Dunsmore said. “”I think that you have to play with confidence. I didn’t come into the season thinking that I had something to prove, but I just wanted to contribute as much as I could to the team. It doesn’t matter what grade level you’re at.””
The freshman from Oceanside, Calif., played with confidence all season, but recently sent her game into another gear. Dunsmore was key in conference wins over Cal State Bakersfield (which is ranked 20th in the nation), UC Davis and Chico State, when the Tritons finished the season riding a six-game winning streak.
After beginning the week with a match-high 14 kills to go along with a team-high 11 digs in the three-game sweep of the ‘Runners, Dunsmore followed the performance up with a match-high 17 kills against UC Davis.
She closed out the week with four kills, seven digs and three service aces in limited action against Chico State. While she had been in the starting lineup for much of the year, Dunsmore came off the bench against Chico State because it was senior night for UCSD and the seniors received the majority of playing time.
Now Dunsmore and the entire Triton volleyball team will look to the playoffs, where they hope to make a big impact.
“”I think that we are peaking at the right time,”” Dunsmore said. “”We feel strong and prepared. All of the girls have faith. We are looking forward to the competition, whoever we play.””
Dunsmore is the second Triton to receive this award for this season. Senior middle blocker Kathleen Hentz also received the award for the week of Oct. 8 through Oct. 14.
