First is the worst. Second is the best.
Okay, first is the best, but second is nothing to scoff at. Just ask the Michigan volleyball team. It has been the runner-up in its last three tournaments.
The Wolverines' latest second-place finish came this weekend in Baton Rouge, La., at the LSU Tiger Invitational, where they beat Connecticut and Louisiana State in their final two matches to improve their season record to 5-4.
re we've lost Friday and won Saturday."
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| FILE PHOTO Setter Linnea Mendoza and her Michigan teammates placed second at this weekend's LSU Tiger Invitational. Playing without outside hitter Karen Chase, the Wolverines lost to Central Florida before beating Connecticut and Louisiana State. |
Behind, 12-4, in the match's second game, the Wolverines rebounded to tie the game at 12. The effort was in vain, because the Wolverines ended up losing the game to the Golden Knights, 16-14.
Even with the loss, the Wolverines had a star in middle blocker Linsey Ebert. The junior accumulated 13 kills, eight blocks and 11 digs on her way to all-tournament honors, which she had along with setter Linnea Mendoza.
"They were both dominating," Giovanazzi said. "Linsey, I would say, was the premier blocker in the tournament. She was a force at the net. She hit and blocked really well. Linnea was great, because she spread it out so well."
Although she was able to distribute the ball evenly, Mendoza credits the talent of her teammates in helping cover for Chase's absence.
"We have a deep lineup," Mendoza said. "Without Karen Chase, we were able to adjust. It was definitely a loss, but we were able to fill the hole. It gave some opportunity to people who maybe wouldn't have had the opportunity."
Frustrating as Friday night's match was, Michigan rebounded to beat Connecticut on Saturday. The Wolverines dominated the match, winning, 15-10, 15-1 and 15-12.
Later that night, the Wolverines overtook Louisiana State in three games to earn second place. It was a productive match for the Wolverines, as they had 54 kills and hit .345.
Everyone contributed to the victory, Giovanazzi said, including outside hitter Jeanine Szczesniak, who had 11 kills, along with outside hitter Jane Stevens and middle blocker Darlene Recker, who each had 10 kills. Freshman outside hitter Sarah Behnke led the team with 15 digs against the Tigers.
"Both LSU and Connecticut have really nice programs," Giovanazzi said. "We hit over .300 in both matches, and we had a number of people contribute offensively. We were very balanced Saturday."
A surprise for the Wolverines was the play of Behnke, who was filling in for the injured Chase.
"Sarah did a great job," Mendoza said. "She's powerful and quick. She's filled the outsider's spot nicely."
Still of concern to the Wolverines is the ability to win close matches.
"There are some confidence issues," Giovanazzi said. "In our matches against Washington, Florida State and Central Florida, there's a game in each we have to win. It would either put us in five or give us a win ... It's still a 50-50 thing.
"Until we win more of them, we're going to continue to have confidence issues."
09-15-97
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