Wolverines rebound at home, spike Toledo

By Kristen Fidh

For the Daily

Sometimes, what makes a team good are the same qualities movie-goers look for in an entertaining villain. For last night's match against the Toledo, the Michigan volleyball team pulled together in sweeping the Rockets 15-8, 15-6, and 15-6.

Coming off the road against Michigan State and Ohio State resulted in morale-crushing defeats for the Wolverines last week, but playing Mid-American Conference team Toledo was a breath of fresh air.

"This was an opportunity for us to work on some stuff that we needed to get better at," Assistant Coach Leisa Rosen said. "We needed to get more consistent, making our serve-receive more consistent, and I think that we did that."

The win was a team effort, extending the spotlight to Michigan's newcomers. Veteran Wolverines Nicole Kacor, Katrina Lehman, Sarah Behnke and Joanna Fielder served, set and killed the ball well enough to step aside for the team's freshmen.

Joining Shannon Melka, Alija Pittenger and Annie Maxwell on the court were freshmen Erin Moore and Chantel Reedus.

"This is the first time I got to play all the way around," Reedus said. "Going through practice everyday, you never know if you are going to play or not, so its exciting when we get a chance to."

Reedus played impressively, scoring four kills for the night, along with Moore who racked up six kills.

Experienced Michigan blocker,Shannon Melka helped the newcomers along in providing a total of 37 sets.

"It was great to see Chantal and Erin get out there," Melka said. "They work hard at practice and are good additions to the team."

As for Toledo, three key players carring the team were just no match for the

Wolverines. Becky Radomski, leading Toledo with kills, Carrie McCaw, supporting with sets, and Theresa Estes, defending with digs, came up short to a team of talented players.

The first match allowed for a few volleys as the Wolverines were only warming up. Toledo scored net violations as Michigan scored points.

And so followed the remaining games. Michigan's fast offense and choreographed plays mixed with the team's enthusiasm awarded another win, bringing the Wolverines to 9-2 overall.

Friday, the Wolverines head to Champaign to play the Fighting Illini in a return to their conference schedule.

"We are going to have to play some very solid volleyball," Coach Mark Rosen said. "They are a good team, they are a balanced team, and they have a couple very experienced players. But we have some great players too, and, right now, we are just trying to stick to our rhythm.

"If we can control the ball fast and stick to our rhythm, we will go in there and do a good job in their house."

Just as the Wolverines did last night in their own.

ALYSSA WOOD/Daily

Annie Maxwell and Michigan returned home last night to overpower Toledo. Maxwell led the Wolverines to a 10-0 start in the evening's second game.