Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Volleyball set for 2007 Season
08/22/2007 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 22, 2007
www.siusalukis.com
By Shalae Schulte
CARBONDALE, Ill. - If you ask Southern Illinois head volleyball coach Brenda Winkeler what the strength of her 2007 squad is, she won't tell you it's ball control or blocking, it's actually not anything to do with even stepping between the lines of the volleyball court - but team chemistry and work ethic. These two traits she believes will help her team improve. Returning four starters and the libero, all sophomores and juniors, Winkeler expects improvement and a trip to the Missouri Valley Conference tournament, something the 2006 squad missed by a match.
"We've improved in the setting position and with ball control, blocking and serving, but the number one component is team chemistry and work ethic. That is the one thing that we have going into this year that stands out from everything else."
Coming off a promising spring season that saw the Salukis finish 10-3, Winkeler feels having a taste of success was key and will give the team confidence heading in to the fall, where it counts.
DEFENSE
Led by junior libero Kristy Elswick, SIU looks to build on what Elswick has provided in the back row the last two seasons, stability.
"Elswick will definitely be the staple of our defense and the leader as well," Winkeler said. "She's going to break a big record this season."
She is 305 digs away from holding the SIU record for digs in a career.
Along with Elswick, seniors Kari Buehlhorn and Trisha Kamphuis will help out at the defensive specialist position, also filled at times last season by Jennifer Berwanger. Also an outside hitter - but one of the best ball control players on the team - Jennifer missed almost the entire season with an injury, earning a redshirt year.
"Kari really worked to improve in the spring," Winkeler said, "while Trisha showed a lot of promise in the spring. She's the quickest one out of all of them, but lacks the experience part that Elswick and Buehlhorn have at this level."
SETTER
At setter, Southern has two junior athletes with two different styles that will see playing time. Erika Bartruff returns from the 2006 team, working hard to improve her tempo, mobility and location after an off-season surgery.
"One of the things Erika does extremely well is leads our team and organizes our offense and is a student of the game," Winkeler said. "She brings a lot of experience."
Brooklyn Robbins, a two-time All-American at Parkland Community College, is smaller, but her jumping ability makes her someone that can hold her own blocking in the front row.
"Brooklyn is very quick," Winkeler said. "The difference between her and Erika is that if we're off system, Brooklyn can chase down a lot of balls and make us a better offensive team. She brings a very good jump serve as well."
MIDDLE BLOCKER
The Salukis are covered in the middle, returning two and adding a third to replace two-time MVC pick Johannah Yutzy.
Sophomore Chandra Roberson, a great blocker from a year ago, looks to improve offensively and become more versatile and a go-to.
Also returning is another sophomore Marina Medic, looked to as a utility a year ago, she will primarily work in the middle. With a great arm swing, Medic hits the ball very hard and her foot work has improved.
"Chandra's done a great job. She can run a lot of different things," Winkeler said. "Marina has had to fight through some injuries, but has improved. She can help us out offensively in the middle, but getting better at the block will be key for her."
The newcomer in the middle is Jasmine Conner. The best jumper on the team, the incoming freshman touches above the basketball rim.
"She'll be able to block and do nice things blocking," Winkeler said. "She has some things to work on and hasn't played at this level, but she'll be able to play high for us. If she puts it all together, she'll be an all-freshman performer for us."
OUTSIDE HITTER
Sophomore Kelsie Laughlin will return on the outside. She came in last season as a freshman and started every match. Her strength is ball control in the back row and blocking. Out for the spring with an injury, Laughlin is working on becoming more aggressive at the attack.
"We're trying to get Kelsie to hit more aggressively and hit different shots and that will be a key in her progress in her sophomore year," Winkeler said.
Redshirt freshman Jennifer Berwanger will also be playing the outside. Back from injury, her ball control is a strength, as the coaching staff looks for her to become more consistent offensively.
"Jen came back from ACL surgery very well, probably better mentally than any athlete I've seen," Winkeler said. "She needs to get consistent on the left side and that has to do with technique and when that happens she will be a very good offensive player."
Sydney Clark, a freshman newcomer will also get looks on the outside. One of the top-three jumpers on the team, she has the ability to play high.
"Sydney really hits a nice ball and is very athletic," Winkeler said of the newcomer. "It will be a battle for left side."
RIGHT SIDE
Junior Kristie Berwanger will move from outside a year ago to the right side to help provide the blocking against opponents' best outside hitters. She is considered the team's court leader.
"It's something she's really done a good job with," Winkeler said. "She'll also give us the ability to run different things off the back."
Backing her up will be freshman newcomer Paris Leonce, an athletic player who will lack experience her freshman year, but makes up for it with her competitiveness.
"Paris doesn't do a lot off wow-things, but is consistent," Winkeler said. "When she gets the game and more experience, she will contribute."
