Spikers' attitude 'rocks house'

By Kristen Fidh (dbw, maf)

Daily Sports Writer

Energy, attitude and the drive to fight characterized the Michigan volleyball team this weekend, whether it won or lost.

This past Friday, the Wolverines beat Indiana 3-2 during their Rock the House event. Saturday, they came up short, barely losing to Penn State, 3-2.

One thing remained consistent though - the Wolverines' positive attitude.

If the announcer said, "Attack, Nicole Kacor. Point, Michigan," the Wolverines gathered and slapped hands in celebration.

If the announcer said, "Net violation, Michigan. Point, Indiana," the Wolverines gathered and slapped hands in encouragement.

Maybe it was the nervousness of being on the road that troubled Indiana and Penn State. Nevertheless, Michigan had the chemistry.

Ranked eighth in the Big Ten, Indiana posed some competition, especially in game three. Though the Hoosiers won 15-2, Michigan rejuvenated their energy to come back for a win.

"It would have been real easy to just roll over after getting beaten 15-2, but they found some heart, some charisma and some character and really competed," Michigan coach Mark Rosen said.

If the constant encouragement between plays didn't bring the game-winning energy, Katrina Lehman's on-court voice must have.

"Hit the ball!"

"Come on, Shannon!"

"Put it away, Jo!"

Lehman is a leader in pumping up the team as well as scoring points as one of Michigan's middle blockers.

"I feel like everyone has a different role in the team, and I feel like that is my role. I have to keep the team energized and keep the team positive."

Indiana and Michigan seemed evenly matched, as both teams excelled in attacking and blocking. The problem for both, though, lied in digging.

Utilizing its substitutions, Michigan was able to step up the defensive level, bringing in junior Cobey Shoji, who earned a total of 17 digs.

"We have been struggling defensively, and she hasn't been on the floor," Rosen said. "She came in and made a big difference - a big impact in our defense."

Losing to Penn State, last season's NCAA champs, Michigan's attack lacked strength, but overflowed with energy.

Until the last serve of the match.

"What keeps me going? I hate to freaking lose," Nicole Kacor said. "If that means we are down, the game still isn't over, and we have to come back strong."

The Wolverines came back strong for two hours and 14 minutes, with just one problem.

Michigan struggled defensively, and the Nittany Lions did not.

Friday's defensive problems were corrected by adding Shoji and Olson, but the 18 allotted substitutions were taken up by the constant switch of setters Shannon Melka and Nicole Poquette. Penn State's hard hitter, Mishka Levy, played over Melka's head, showing a need for Poquette's height. Melka then came in when Penn State had the ball, leaving no room for Friday's defensive key.

"That was a tough one," Rosen said. "It hurts. It' hard, and I know it is even more so for the girls because they put a lot into it. But, at the same time, I think we played well, and I am proud."