Women’s volleyball brings stellar road record to Stanford, Cal


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The women’s volleyball team has two big games against Stanford and Cal on Thursday and Saturday, respectively. The team has had a somewhat bumpy season, with losses to inferior opponents, but winning enough to sport a 16-9 overall record and an 8-6 mark in conference play.

This will be the Trojans’ second time seeing both Cal and Stanford, as they played the two teams at home a litle under three weeks ago. USC beat Cal 3-0, but then lost to Stanford that same weekend at home. While it may seem more difficult to be successful on foreign courts, so far this season, the Trojans have played very well on the road, going 6-1 in away games.

This season, senior libero Taylor Whittingham has proved to be an indestructible force for the Women of Troy. Even through a knee injury, she has been breaking barriers as a libero that would be difficult even if she were completely healthy. This past week, Whittingham was named Senior CLASS Award Finalist, showing her dedication both on and off the court. She also received the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the week and is sixth in USC’s all-time career record book in digs.

Other members that will look to contribute on the court this weekend include freshman outside hitter Khalia Lanier and senior setter Alice Pizzasegola. Pizzasegola was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District team this past week for excelling considerably in the classroom and on the court. Lanier continues to have an impressive freshman season — this past weekend she recorded 12.5 points along with 3 blocks and 10 digs to complete her 12th double-double.

Head coach Mick Haley said he believes there will be successful outcomes this weekend at Stanford and Cal. The Trojans fell to Stanford 3-0 in October, which he attributed to fear of their size. The Cardinal have a few players that tower at 6-foot-8 and 6-foot-6, heights that the team had not faced before. Stanford is also currently tied for first in the Pac-12.

“I think we have a chance to win,” Haley said. “We play well at Stanford, so we’ll see what happens.”

Playing at Cal can prove difficult because of the crowd. The Bears have a large arena in Haas Pavilion and typically have a large turnout for games. However, the last time USC faced Cal, they handedly beat them 3-0.

“We just prepare for going in there and having [Haas Pavilion] echo,” Haley said. “If they’re bringing in the band, it will be rowdy, but we just have to play well.” 

Overall, Haley said the Trojans have been steadily getting better — improving in aspects of their game such serving, passing and hitting. Most importantly, their communication has improved, which is essential to being successful in volleyball. Now that it is November, it is important that the team fix everything they can to do well in post-season.

Haley believes the Trojans’ road success has to do with the togetherness of traveling. They have little distractions and are able to focus more on the games at hand. Hostile crowds may exist, but the Women of Troy have managed to overcome that and play their best.

“Where we are with our team, we are getting better, and that’s what I ask for in November,” Haley said.

The Women of Troy will face Stanford today at 7:30 p.m. and Cal on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.