But despite the absence of its powerful hitter and leader, the Harvard women’s volleyball team has responded in a way that has and does make Ingersoll proud. With an early 7-4 record, the squad is anything but down and out.
So far this season, even with a young team featuring nine underclassmen, the Crimson has shut out five opponents and has been on the winning end of two tight, five-set matches.
“AC had a huge presence on and off the court … and had a character that draws people to her,” Wu said. “Obviously we miss her, and we feel like we have a huge gap that we need to fill, but I think our team has done a great job of managing that hole and moving forward.”
“I am super proud of [the team],” Ingersoll said. “They’re all playing so awesome … I think [the team] we have is a really good combination of upperclassmen who know the drill and of underclassmen who are primed and ready to be taught.”
Sophomore Erin Cooney has stepped into Ingersoll’s old position and has posted impressive numbers so far this season–86 kills, 16 digs, and 25 blocks–and garnered all-tournament honors at the Harvard Invitational.
Though the time it takes for Ingersoll to fully recover is unknown at this point, she plans on returning in the spring to participate in her second season on the Radcliffe heavyweight crew squad.
“The process of being able to row again is one that I’m really excited about … and has given me perspective during this semester when I’ve been out of commission,” Ingersoll said. “Rowing is something that’s been keeping me going and patient during rehab because I have a goal in mind.”
Despite the injury, the time off, and the rehabilitation, Ingersoll still is a part of her team, even if from several thousand miles away. She watches the live statistics stream during every match, keeps up with every player, both old and young, and feels both the victories and defeats that the squad experiences.
“I have total faith in my team,” Ingersoll said. “I’m glad that I get to be somewhat connected … I’m really not going to let [my team] go.”
“We know that AC is still 100 percent behind us,” Wu added. “She is still very much a part of our team and wouldn’t want us to take our eyes off the prize.”
So whether at the Malkin Athletic Center or three thousand miles away with her shoulder in a sling, a leader is always a leader.
—Staff writer B. Marjorie Gullick can be reached at gullick@college.harvard.edu.