Thanks to the big numbers they post and the ferocity of the point-producing term “kill,” hitters seem to get the vast majority of attention in volleyball. Defensive specialists and liberos, while playing a very important role in a team’s success, rarely put up the type of glittering stats that earn the spotlight. But it’s hard to overlook the accomplishments of libero Kennedy Greenwood, who is making her final season as a Wildcat her best. The senior from Stockton turned in another sterling performance in the trenches during the ’Cats’ two weekend home matches, and her outstanding play has earned Greenwood Wildcat of the Week honors.
Greenwood’s outstanding passing from the back row, combined with pinpoint serving, helped the Wildcats gain a split of the two weekend matches. All told, she racked up a combined 25 digs and four service aces (both team highs), while also adding a pair of assists.
In Friday’s victory over Cal State East Bay, Greenwood kept the ball alive by delivering 10 digs, scored twice on aces, and assisted on a pair of kills as the Wildcats disposed of the Pioneers in three sets. She followed up Saturday with two more aces and a match-high 15 digs, but it wasn’t enough to keep the ’Cats from dropping a four-set decision to Cal State San Marcos.
Even with four matches left in the 2021 campaign, Greenwood has already set personal single-season bests with 227 digs and 32 aces. She has recorded 10 or more digs in 12 contests, and has even contributed 55 assists and five kills to the ’Cats’ attack.
Greenwood and the Wildcats will play their final home matches of the 2021 season this weekend, when they host Humboldt State on Friday and Sonoma State Saturday at Acker Gym. First serve for both matches is scheduled for 5 p.m. Greenwood, Lizzie Wilson, Kelley Jacome, Makenzie Salva, Ali Collins, and Makaela Keeve will all be honored prior to Saturday’s match as the Wildcats celebrate Senior Night.
