Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Volleyball begins practice, relying on depth and experience in 2009
08/10/2009 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 10, 2009
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Following a season that saw the 2008 Southern Illinois volleyball team finish with its best record in six years, Saluki head coach Brenda Winkeler is relying on experience and depth at each position of the 2009 squad.
"For the first time in the last few years, we have depth at every position," Winkeler said. "After an encouraging spring, I think the key to this season will be to provide offensive power consistently. "
Coming off a successful spring season, Winkeler is optimistic of experience the returning juniors and seniors bring to the 2009 team.
DEFENSE
On defense, the Salukis look to replace Kristy Elswick, Southern's four-year libero who holds the all-time dig record at SIU.
Senior Caitlin Dugger and sophomore Lauren Blumhorst, along with freshmen Bailey Yeager and Keana Richardson will vie for the libero and defensive specialist positions.
"Lauren comes in with the most experience from last season," Winkeler said. "For whoever takes that position, the key will be passing."
Both Richardson and Yeager come from successful club teams, Yeager's team placing fifth nationally in the open division.
"She has great ball control," Winkeler said of Yeager. "She comes from two winning programs, and we look for her to contend for one of those positions."
Richard-son, originally a small left side with good ball control, will be converted to a defensive specialist this season.
Along with the newcomers, junior outside hitter Jen Berwanger and senior outside hitter Kelsie Laughlin will continue to aid with ball control. Berwanger averaged a team-high 4.06 digs per set and Laughlin pitched in 2.69 digs per set, second on the team.
SETTER
Following the loss of seniors Brooklyn Robbins and Erika Bartruff, the Salukis will turn over the setting duties to sophomore Amanda Arnold and freshman Rachael Brown. Robbins was a second-team All-Missouri Valley Conference pick last season averaging 10.50 assists per set.
"Amanda did a great job for us in the spring and led the team to a very good record," Winkeler said. "She definitely has the edge on experience."
Brown comes in after playing high school and club ball with Yeager. Their team placing fifth at nationals.
"I feel (Brown) has the mental attitude, work ethic and skills to compete right away for the position," Winkeler said of the freshman. "We will spend a good part of the preseason seeing how both of them do, as far as rhythm and cohesiveness with rest of the offense."
MIDDLE BLOCKER
The Salukis are covered in the middle, returning both starters, seniors Chandra Roberson and Marina Medic, along with junior Jasmine Conner.
Roberson, a second-team all-Missouri Valley Conference pick in 2007, and Medic, a two-time all-tournament MVP, really gave the Saluki offense some options the last two seasons, not to mention helping post the best blocking stats in program history in 2007. In 2008, Roberson averaged 2.70 kills, 1.07 blocks and 0.35 service aces per set, and Medic, 1.48 kills and 0.82 blocks per set. Conner posted 1.10 kills and 0.87 blocks per set in the middle.
"We have a lot of people in that position who have experience," Winkeler said of her middles. "Chandra, Marina and Jasmine all bring something different to the position. Cha had a great spring, hitting nearly .500 with only 10 errors. Marina continues to be an asset on offense, and Conner, ranked in the top-10 in the MVC for the second-straight season, helps at the block."
Roberson is just 35 block assists away from holding the all-time record at SIU and is one of the main reasons the Salukis blocking stats have been the best in school history over that past three seasons.
Newcomer Alysia Mayes will also be a help in the middle. A solid 6-1, who touches 10-foot, makes her the largest middle, physically, on the team.
"Alysia will be a player who can come in on the right side or middle and compete for some playing time as a freshman," Winkeler said. "She hasn't played club for very long, so coming into the college game will be an adjustment."
OUTSIDE HITTER
Juniors Jen Berwanger and Sydney Clark, along with newcomer Laura Thole and junior Kelsie Laughlin, will compete on the outside. Berwanger was named a 2008 All-Missouri Valley Conference First-Team pick averaging a team-high 3.64 kills and 4.06 digs per set.
"Berwanger is an all-around player. She is one of our best passers and defenders," Winkeler said. "Sydney is coming off of a good spring, hitting .281. Both have some solid skills on the outside."
Clark, who had a solid spring for the Salukis, stepped up last season at averaged 2.11 kills per set as a sophomore.
Thole is a two-time All-American at the club level.
"(Thole) is definitely a kid whose transition into the college game will be easy," Winkeler said. "She will get it done, as far as putting the ball in the court and is a real competitor. I think all three will contend."
After spending three years on the outside, Laughlin will move to right side this season and help out on the outside when needed.
RIGHT SIDE
Senior Kelsie Laughlin, who moved from outside in the off-season to the right side, will step in to provide the blocking against opponents' best outside hitters.
Laughlin will join redshirt junior Alicia Johnson, an offensive threat on the right. Last season, Laughlin averaged 1.22 kills and 2.69 digs per set on the outside a year ago, while Johnson sat out due to NCAA regulations after transferring.
"Alicia excels offensively, while blocking-wise Kelsie gets the edge," Winkeler said. "We haven't seen Alicia compete, but she comes in with a lot of maturity and Big 10 experience. It will definitely be a battle right from the start."
