Redemption is the word for 'M'

Volleyball looks to upset State, earn back bragging rights

With state pride on the line, the Michigan volleyball team travels to East Lansing tonight to take on the Michigan State in the season's second match of the "State Pride" series.

After dropping the first match of the series in three games, the Wolverines seek redemption this time around.

"We had an emotional letdown after the last match," Michigan coach Greg Giovanazzi said.. "Down the stretch we need to focus harder than we did last match."

The two matches against the Spartans are the only matches this season that the Wolverines play during the week instead of on the weekend. Giovanazzi said that his team has responded well to a short practice week.

David Rochkind/Daily Anne Poglits and the Michigan volleyball team will fight for State Pride tonight when they tangle with the Spartans.

"The first time it was abnormal, but the second time it's easy," Giovanazzi said. "We've been tapering in practice as it is, so we just move a normal Thursday practice to Tuesday, and go from there."

Sophomore setter Alija Pittenger will return to the starting role against the Spartans, after seeing action in the win against Northwestern.

There has been a rotation all season with Pittenger and freshman Shannon Melka at the position.

"Playing Pittenger is based on her performance Saturday night," Giovanazzi said. "We're looking to split their playing time the rest of the season."

Many Big Ten rivalries play series similar to the State Pride series that the Spartans and the Wolverines play. For that reason, Giovanazzi isn't worried about the emphasis placed on these matches by the special series.

"There is obviously a good rivalry and this only adds to it," Giovanazzi said. "It makes it a lot of fun."

The 16th-ranked Spartans (10-3 Big Ten, 16-4 overall) are led by senior outside hitter Jenna Wrobel. Giovanazzi said that although Wrobel is Michigan State's primary threat, the Wolverines are more worried about other players.

"Wrobel is their horse," Giovanazzi said. "She will get her kills no matter what. We need to focus on containing the other players and attacking their younger players."

Michigan (4-8, 12-10) is only one game out of fifth place in the conference, and is looking for an NCAA tournament birth.

Giovanazzi said he feels that the Big Ten will land six teams in the tournament, and with the Wolverines standing at eighth place in the conference, there is a sense of urgency among the seniors.

Though there is a need to win games, Giovanazzi isn't putting the team through any special preparations.

"We've been watching a lot of film and charting the tendencies of the Michigan State players," Giovanazzi said. "If anything, we're getting ready for a big team, so we've been putting our taller players on the other side and hitting against them."

Giovanazzi said he feels that the team has begun playing more consistent volleyball. He characterized the Indiana match, a 3-0 loss last Friday, night as an "aberration."

With a state flag on the line, the Wolverines need to play some of their best volleyball of the season if they don't want to ride back to Ann Arbor empty-handed.

11-04-98