Free-falling Blue left to wait 'til next year

The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel has become dimmer and dimmer as the Michigan volleyball season has worn on. And this weekend, it's finally going to go out. The 12-16 Wolverines cannot make the NCAA Tournament, Michigan coach Greg Giovanazzi said.

With two final games at unranked Iowa and fifth-ranked Wisconsin, the Wolverines will draw to a close a season which began with a bang, but is ending with a whimper.

Michigan, which lost this past weekend to Ohio State and Penn State, has lost six straight matches. The Wolverines' last victory was almost a month ago, against Northwestern on Halloween night.

Anne Poglits and the rest of the Michigan volleyball team aren't going to the NCAA tournament, so they're already thinking about next year.

The current losing streak has had a negative effect on the team's attitude.

"Up until this point there was hope and fire," Giovanazzi said. "But it's tough to go into this weekend knowing that there is no hope for the postseason."

If there is a bright spot to this weekend it is that Michigan faces Iowa, which it beat last month.

The same cannot be said of the Badgers, who destroyed Michigan, 15-8, 15-3, 15-2, in their last meeting.

In that match, Wisconsin recorded a .358 hitting percentage to Michigan's negative .048. If the Wolverines are to have any chance against the Badgers, they will need to improve on that.

With their season drawing to a close, the Wolverines are in the process of determining who will lead the team next year. With the upcoming graduation of superstar Karen Chase, the Wolverines will be hard pressed to find another offensive and spiritual leader.

"Karen has been unbelievable this year," Giovanazzi said. "But I've noticed people like Sarah Behnke, Joanna Fielder and Annie Maxwell start to take on a bigger role for the team."

Giovanazzi said that Behnke has become a hitting force. He also expects Fielder to have a big weekend.

"It's time to see leadership emerge from the people who will be here next year," Giovanazzi said. "We'll get a good look at the character of a lot of people. It will be a learning experience."

These two games could go a long way towards creating an identity for next year's team. Two more losses would leave a sour taste in the mouth of the returning players.

But a win over Iowa and an upset of Wisconsin?

That would be sweeter than sugar.

DAVID ROCHKIND/Daily

11-24-98