Spikers confident against tough foes

The Michigan volleyball team has two huge Big Ten matches this weekend in Cliff Keen Arena. Tonight, the Wolverines face No. 18 Ohio State, and tomorrow night, they face No. 2 Penn State.

With 10 out of 11 players returning, the Wolverines' experience and seniority could contribute to the game. Michigan coach Mark Rosen, is confident in his team's ability to rise to the challenge.

"Alija (Pittenger) is a huge defensive player," Rosen said.

Rosen is confident in his team's physical ability, as well as its mental state and spirit.

"Annie Maxwell is a spark plug to our personality side. She has a certain finesse in her ball control," Rosen said.

Recently, Pittenger reached 300 career digs. She was accompanied in her excellence by Maxwell who recently reached 50 blocks and 100 kills. Dana Chapman, recovering from an earlier ankle injury, has been practicing at full strength and is expected to make an appearance in the game as well. Rosen added that he is "very comfortable with Nicole and Alija's performances."

The Wolverines' assistant coach, ex-Buckeye Leisa Rosen is comfortable with her new allegiance, even facing her old coach.

While playing for the Buckeyes, she racked up two Big Ten titles.

"I'm excited about a friendly rivalry," Leisa Rosen said.

"We are looking forward to playing Michigan tomorrow night," said Ohio State coach Jim Stone. "I know Mark and Leisa very well. Of course, Leisa played for me and I know she is a very intense competitor. I am sure she is passing this trait along to her players."

Approximately 21 hours later, the Wolverines will face another mountain to climb.

The defending Big Ten champion Nittany Lions are led by Lauren Cacciamani, Carrie Schonveld, and Amanda Rome.

These three women have been key players in their last five matchups, dishing out plenty of digs, kills, and blocks.

Since the beginning of its season, Penn State has shut down No. 8 Virginia, No.3 Nebraska, Akron, Bradley, Maryland, West Virginia, UNC-Charlotte, Toledo, Kansas State and Texas, but was defeated in its season opener by then-No. 8 Florida.

That leaves Penn State's record at 10-1 with an upcoming match against Michigan State tonight.

With tomorrow's upcoming match, the Michigan coaches have high hopes for their team.

"This is a really good test for us to see how we do against such a strong team," said Leisa Rosen.

Michigan's strategy for this weekend is "focusing on our side and what we're doing," she added.

"We know what we are up against. They are going to be as good as everyone expects them to be," Mark Rosen said.

09-24-99