'97 season may preview future volleyball success

By T.J. Berka
and Josh Kleinbaum
Daily Sports Writers

It occurs countless times in the world of sports - a team comes out of nowhere to have a remarkable season and falls back into the realm of also-rans just as quickly.

The Michigan volleyball team had its best season ever with a 21-12 record and a win in its first NCAA tournament game, a five-set victory over Temple on Dec. 4. The Wolverines' season ended two days later in a 15-10, 15-6, 15-6 loss to Texas A&M.

JOHN KRAFT/Daily Sara Jackson's importance to the Michigan volleyball team may not be felt until the season is under way. Jackson left among the career kills leaders.

But despite the loss, it looks like this successful season is the start of a winning pattern, not an aberration.

"We feel really good about how the team stacks up the next few years," Giovanazzi said. "We have a lot of experience at outside hitter and Linsey Ebert is one of the premier middle blockers in the Big Ten."

The Wolverines return 10 of their top 12 players this fall, including four of six starters. Michigan returns all five of its outside hitters and four out of five middle blockers.

The two players that the Wolverines lost are setter Linnea Mendoza and middle blocker Sarah Jackson. While both players are among Michigan's all-time volleyball greats - Mendoza finished with more than 5,000 career assists and Jackson is leaving with the second-most kills in school history - the Wolverines have players that can fill their shoes.

Michigan is counting on sophomore Joanna Fielder to take Jackson's place in the lineup. Fielder saw limited action in her freshman year but was a leader of the second team in practice.

"We have somebody like Joanna to come in, who I feel could have played all year long," Giovanazzi said. "She is the heir apparent to Jackson."

Replacing Mendoza is a trickier proposition, because she had been the main setter since she arrived in 1994. The Wolverines, however, have a setter in this year's recruiting class who has the potential to be a viable replacement.

"We don't expect her to be as good as Mendoza, that is too much to ask of anybody," said Giovanazzi, who is not allowed to talk about recruits by name. "She has the potential to be a good setter for us."

There was a lot of excitement at Cliff Keen Arena last season, and there is a lot for the Wolverines to be proud of. That makes this season vital in the growth process.

The Wolverines would rather use this season as a spark to a new era in Michigan volleyball as opposed to being a flash in the pan.

"There was a funny feeling of accomplishment on the bus coming home" after the tournament loss, Giovanazzi said. "However, we are looking forward to more successful seasons in the future."

09-08-98