Women's Volleyball | 12/18/2009 4:05:38 PM

ROCHESTER, NY - The RIT women's volleyball team ended its 2009 season with a split at the New York State Regional Challenge, finishing fifth. The Tigers beat Lycoming and SUNY Brockport, and were defeated by cross-town rival Nazareth and St. Lawrence. The Tigers finished with an overall record of 21-20, with a conference record of 4-3. On Sept. 18, head coach Roger Worsley picked up his 300th career win. In nine seasons, Worsley finished with a record of 216-115. He finished his career at RIT holding a school record for all-time coaching wins.

Leading the Tigers this season was senior middle-hitter Victoria Petko (East Amherst, NY/Clarence). Throughout the season, Petko proved to be a dominant force for the Tigers. She accumulated 507 kills, averaging 3.38 per game, and finished her career with 1,631 total kills, which is sixth all time at RIT. In addition, she led the Tigers with 67 service aces, and finishes her career with 198 total, which is 10th all time at RIT. Petko was second on the team with 234 defensive digs, and earned 114 assisted blocks, ending her career as the leader in RIT history for assisted blocks. She earned Empire 8 first-team honors for the second straight season. Petko was also named the RIT Female Athlete of the Week for the week ending Oct. 12, and was named Empire 8 Player of the Week for week ending Sept. 28.

Freshmen Rebecca Moore (San Diego, CA/Rancho Bernardo) was also a solid contributor for the Tigers throughout the season. She finished 2009 second in kills with 338. Moore earned Empire 8 honorable mention honors, and was named Empire 8 Rookie of the Week for week ending Sept. 28.

Christina Worth (Valencia, CA/Valencia), a freshmen setter for the Tigers, finished the season with 800 assists, averaging 6.5 assists per game. She was named the Empire Rookie of the Week for the week ending Sept. 14. Worth appeared in 123 games, battling injuries through the second half of the season. When not assisting on kills, Worth proved to be an offensive and defensive threat, recording 98 kills and 145 digs.

In her last season, Ashlie Baker (Northridge, UT/Northridge) was a solid contributor for the Tigers. She ended the season with 122 kills. In her two seasons at RIT, Baker had 336 kills and 179 digs.

The Tigers also received significant contribution from freshmen Katie Cooper (New Canaan, CT/New Canaan), Alli Kamsch (Severna Park, MD/Severna Park), and Melanie Springer (Frederick, MD/Governor Thomas Johnson). Cooper contributed 185 kills, 65 digs, 51 service aces, and 24 assists. Kamsch recorded 79 kills in just 96 games. Springer was second on the team in assists with 223.

Next season, the Tigers look to improve on their results. With a new coach and many new faces leading the team, teamwork will be a huge factor in their success.