Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Saluki Volleyball camp notebook: Day Three
08/12/2015 | 12:00:00 | Women's Volleyball
By Elizabeth Robinson
SIUSalukis.com
1. The Saluki volleyball team had its third day of practice on Wednesday with a brief session in the morning followed by a hitting-intensive practice in the afternoon. Wednesday afternoon's practice included match-style play in which the players rotated through positions and kept score as if in an actual match.
2. At the start of Wednesday afternoon's practice the team huddled together and shouted "Make History," prior to taking the court, referring to their goal of becoming the first Saluki volleyball team to win the MVC Championship. According to head coach Justin Ingram, the team's high level of excitement, focus and desire to play at the highest level has been inspiring not only to the players, but also to the coaches.
3. Head coach Justin Ingram introduced a significant change to the team's offensive scheme this week, with a shift in distribution. The team's setters, primarily juniors Hannah Kaminsky and Meg Viggars who led the team in assists last year, are working on getting under the ball to set at a faster clip and to hit targets along the right, left and center of the net.
4. Aggressive serving has been another point of emphasis at camp thus far. According to Ingram, being able to serve with velocity and get opponents off the net and out of system is critical and will allow the Salukis a better chance to score.
5. The libero position is one to watch this season. The Salukis' major loss from last season was starting libero Alex Rivera, who graduated in the spring. This year's team returns sophomore liberos Gabriella Shepherd and Ashley Edelen, and welcomes two new liberos, Mariana Pilon and Tara Routliffe. Although Shepherd and Edelen did not play during last year's fall season, they each played libero for the Salukis in their spring competitions and practices. To determine the starting libero, Ingram is looking for the ability to serve receive at a high level, to handle six rotations of defense, and to work well with others on the court at all times. "I couldn't be more excited about the talent that we have and what the future looks like for that position," he said.
6. Newcomer Mariana Pilon reported to camp for her first day today. Both Pilon and freshman Tara Routliffe have adapted well to the team dynamic, according to Ingram, with a strong returning corps of players showing them the ropes in their first few days.
7. While the primary focus of this week has been the new distribution, speed and serve-receive, next week the team will shift its focus to defense. The goal is to dig more balls in order to keep the rally going, which will depend on the players' position on the court, technique and overall effort.
