The Michigan volleyball team searched for respect in its breakthrough season last year. This fall, the Wolverines look to establish that respect as a fixture in the program's future. They want to take the step from being an up-and-coming program to being a perennial power in the Big Ten and the country.
"It was a breakthrough season," Michigan coach Greg Giovanazzi said. "The (senior) class was solid."
Michigan started off on the right foot by earning a 3-0 record to begin the '98 campaign. The wins came en route to winning the Georgetown Acumen Classic in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 4 and 5. Michigan handed Maryland its first regular season loss
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| FILE PHOTO The Michigan volleyball team opened its season with an impressive sweep at the Georgetown Acumen Classic. The Wolverines look to continue the streak this weekend as they host the All-Sport Classic at Cliff Keen Arena. |
The Wolverines can credit a deep and experienced unit returning many key players from last year's squad. Here's a look at the team from each position.
Outside Hitter: This will be Michigan's strong suit for the '98 season. Michigan returns five letter winners from last year's team including all-Big Ten honorable mention Karen Chase. The senior recovered from a bulging disc injury early last season to average 3.95 kills a game and a .266 attack.
"Chase is the go-to player as far as attacking," said Giovanazzi. "She is a pure attacker."
Captain Jane Stevens also returns with fellow senior Jeanine Szczenick.
"They handle all of the serves and are two of our best servers," Giovanazzi said.
Junior Anne Poglits, the tallest member of the team at 6-feet-4, and sophomore Sarah Behnke will both receive serious playing time at the position. Sophomore C.C. Pryor will also look to contribute, with freshmen Amy Decines, Nicole Kacor and Jenny Lachapelle.
Defensive Specialist: More commonly know as the utility player, the defensive specialist is looked upon to contribute a very important role in this year's team. A majority of this responsibility will fall on the shoulders of fifth-year senior Chereena Tennis. Tennis is the marquee player in this area by being a very aggressive passer, digger and server.
Maggie Cooper will challenge Tennis for more playing time. Cooper has been praised by Giovanazzi for her fearlessness on the court. Shawna Olson also looks to chip in this season.
Setter: With the departure of all-Big Ten setter Linnea Mendoza, the position is the deepest hole to fill for Michigan. So coach Giovanazzi decided to use an interesting explanation for such a problem. He'll replace his departed all-everything setter with two players - sophomore Alija Pittenger and freshman Shannon Melka.
Mendoza "was a great setter," Giovanazzi said. "We tackled (replacing Mendoza) by splitting time between" Pittenger and Melka.
Junior Carrie Ricker looks to compete for playing time also.
Middle Blocker: The Wolverines also endured a loss at this position in the offseason, with the graduation of all-Big Ten honorable mention Sarah Jackson. But replacing her will not be a problem, with senior Linsey Ebert ready to step in and lead the team. Ebert holds the single season Michigan block record, with 132 last year.
Joanna Fielder and Annie Maxwell will contest for time to back up Ebert this season. Fielder, a sophomore, is an imposing blocker at 6-feet-3. Maxwell, who was a redshirt freshman last season, will also look to see her first action in a Michigan uniform.
Giovanazzi said that he looks at this team to be very poised and very confident in the way they play.
"They don't get ruffled and they keep their composure," Giovanazzi said.
The Wolverines have begun to reassure that confidence with their fast start this season.
09-09-98
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