Volleyball condent after strong start

and Erin Mays

For The Daily

The women of the Michigan volleyball team are hoping that this Friday's game against Purdue will allow them to shed their reputation as an up-and-coming team and help begin their ascent to a national top 20 power.

The team heads into its conference schedule with an 8-2 record, highlighted by convincing wins over Maryland, Georgetown and North Carolina.

Friday is the start of Michigan's Big Ten season.

The Michigan volleyball team has blocked almost everything in its path en route to an 8-2 start. The Wolverines start the Big Ten season Friday when they face Purdue. FILE PHOTO

After taking on Purdue, the Wolverines face No. 24 Illinois before traveling to Northwestern and Indiana.

Of the 11 teams in the Big Ten, six of them are ranked in the top 25, including top-ranked Penn State, seventh-ranked Wisconsin and No. 14 Michigan State. Rankings this week place Michigan just outside the top 25.

Michigan returns 14 letterwinners from its 1997 team. Seniors Linsey Ebert and Karen Chase are joined by junior Anne Poglits, sophomore Joanna Fielder and freshman Shannon Melka.

Chase leads the team with 172 kills in the first 10 games, closely followed by Poglits, who has registered 107 kills. Ebert has a team-high 30 blocks, followed by Fielder's 25.

"Joanna led us at the net and played a fine all-around game," head coach Greg Giovanazzi said in a statement released after a win over New Mexico. "Her blocking was definitely a big factor in the outcome."

Melka and freshman Nicole Kacor, new additions to the team, have gotten their careers off to a good start. Melka had a Michigan season-high 41 assists in the loss to San Diego at the Domino's Pizza Classic this past Saturday. Kacor, in a victory over Kent, had match-highs with four service aces and 15 digs.

"Last weekend was her best weekend," Giovanazzi said of Melka. "She played primary setting position. Her position is the hardest to come in and play as a freshman."

Giovanazzi was also impressed with Kacor's performance.

"Nicole had her first start on Saturday and was the MVP of the team for that match," Giovanazzi said. "There is a lot of competition for her position coming from the veterans, but she's getting more time to play."

This year marks Giovanazzi's seventh season at the helm of the Michigan volleyball program.

Last year, he coached the team to a 21-12 record, a best-ever third-place finish in the Big Ten and its first-ever spot in the NCAA tournament. Giovanazzi hopes to continue the tradition this year and in the future.

"We have such a veteran team," Giovanazzi said. "Last year was a standard we have to surpass."

"I feel very positive about this group. We have a great blend of leadership from the seniors and juniors, as well as a talented group of sophomores and freshmen. There is a lot of experience and energy on this team. We are ready."

09-22-98