2004 Volleyball Preview II
Aug 16, 2004 | Volleyball
As the 2004 volleyball season approached, it was easy to see the confidence and excitement building in UNO coach Rose Shires. After three uncharacteristically mediocre seasons, Shires has the Mavericks poised to make a run for the North Central Conference title and their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2000.
"This team, since last November, has decided that they want to take the step to the next level," said Shires. The attitude and intensity in practice since last spring has laid the foundation for what Shires believes will be an extremely exiciting and successful season for Nebraska-Omaha in 2004.
For the past three seasons, the Mavericks have dropped below the .500 mark. However, with five returning seniors in the lineup, this year's squad will be poised to return the Mavericks to the upper echelon of the always-rugged and nationally-prominent North Central Conference as well as to the NCAA Tournament.
In addition to the five returning seniors who all started at some point during the 2003 season, the Mavericks will also return four juniors and a sophomore who all saw extensive playing time last year. Combine that with the return of two redshirt freshmen who made an immediate impact last season in the practice environment and the addition of four talented newcomers, the Mavericks will possess one of the deepest, experienced and talent-laden squads in the NCC and in the entire nation.
However, the Mavericks will have to prove their worth early on in the season as the schedule offers no breaks and features 13 matches against teams that reached the NCAA Tournament a season ago, including matches against three of the four teams that advanced to the NCAA II Final Four last season.
"I purposely scheduled quality opponents for the 2004 season," said Shires. "I know this team is ready to take the step to the next level and I wanted to show my confidence in this team by offering them a demanding non-conference schedule."
Gone from last season's 12-18 squad is three-year starting setter Kylie Lebeda and three-year starting middle blocker Alyssa Matthes. Lebeda finished her career ranked third in UNO history in career assists, while Matthes led the 2003 Mavericks in attack percentage and total blocks, while earning honorable mention all-NCC honors.
"We have a great foundation and I believe we are headed in the right direction," said Shires. "There is a lot of experience on this team for the first time in a few years and that should translate into more consistent and dominating performances on the court."
The following is a breakdown by position:
Outside Hitter
To find the most depth on the squad, one needs to look no further than the outside hitter position. With three returning players who have starting experience on the outside and the addition of two talented newcomers, the competition just to get on the court should be ferocious.
"We have a lot of experience on the outside," said Shires. "The key to playing time will be to find the right combination of ball control and power in our outside hitters. We need excellent ball control on the outside in order to stay in our offense. However, we also need someone who can terminate efficiently both in-system and out-of-system."
Returning on the outside will be seniors Amy McLeay (Omaha, Neb.), Jenny Rankin (North Platte, Neb.), and Julia McConahay (North Platte, Neb.).
McLeay made an immediate impact in her first Maverick season in 2003. She led the Mavericks with 430 kills and was second with 330 digs. An honorable mention, all-NCC selection, McLeay finished second in the final 2003 NCC statistics with 4.00 kills per game and was seventh with 4.07 digs per game.
"Amy provides a great deal of leadership and maturity on the outside," said Shires. "I look for Amy to pick up where she left off last season and provide much-needed stability on the outside."
Rankin is a three-year starter who finished last season with a team second-best 281 kills and third-best 324 digs. Look for the crafty Rankin to provide consistency and intelligence on the outside.
McConahay, who has been a part-time starter the past three seasons, saw action on both the outside and rightside last season. In the Mavericks 6-2 offense, McConahay settled into her role on the rightside during the second half of the 2003 season, finishing with 145 kills and 34 total blocks.
Winthrop University transfer Christina Reicks (Bellevue, Neb.) possesses outstanding ball control and will provide serious competition for a starting spot on the outside.
Also on the outside will be freshman Kelsey Perlinger (Paxton, Neb.), who was a two-time all-state athlete in both volleyball and basketball. A middle blocker in high school, Shires will train the strong and fiercely competitive Perlinger as an outside hitter.
Middle Blocker
Equally as deep but somewhat hobbled by injuries will be the middle blocker position.Although, UNO will have to deal with the loss of Matthes, four players with extensive experience in the middle return for the 2004 season.
Senior Katie Blacketer (North Bend, Neb.) started the first eight matches in 2003 before an ACL tear to her right knee ended her season. If healthy, Blacketer could be one of the most dominating blockers in the NCC.
Junior Ashley Freeman (Council Bluffs, Iowa) had to deal with her second off-season shoulder surgery, but should be 100 percent at the start of fall camp. Freeman has starting experience as both a middle blocker and rightside hitter. She was second on the 2003 squad with 58 total blocks.
Despite nagging knee injuries throughout her career, senior Andrea Wegner (Bancroft, Neb.) could be one of UNO's top middle blockers in 2004. The Mavericks' top jumper, Wegner started nine matches last season and provides much-needed enthusiasm on the court.
Junior Brianna Ritter (Elkhorn, Neb.) was rotated though the starting lineup last season, starting in 10 matches and finishing with 30 total blocks.
Perhaps the Mavericks' most improved player, redshirt freshman Carlie Christensen could see immediate playing time in 2004. Although she has no collegiate experience, Shires believes Christensen possesses the quickness, jumping ability and explosiveness to be one of the top middle blockers in the NCC and is especially pleased by her competitive nature.
Standing 6-2, look for Wichita State transfer Heather Hainline (Papillion, Neb.) to make an immediate impact in the middle. According to Shires, the versatile Hainline should provide an intimidating presence in the middle but could also be used on the outside
Rightside Hitter
The rightside hitter position is the biggest question mark for the Mavericks heading into the season. Both McConahay and Freeman have experience on the rightside, but could also be used at other positions depending on which offensive system the Mavericks run.
With an intimidating block and the highest reach on the 2004 squad, look for 6-2 redshirt freshman Nicole McLeod to provide a serious threat to start on the rightside.
"Nicole has been a pleasure to watch develop as a player," said Shires. "She adapted very quickly to the collegiate game during her redshirt season and is ready to make a big splash in 2004. She provides a huge rightside block and has the ability to hit over leftside blockers."
Setter
The most important position relative to the success of the 2004 Mavericks will be, without a doubt, at setter.
Junior Christie Johnson (Lincoln, Neb.) started last season in the Mavericks' 6-2 alignment, and will be looked upon to provide more of a leadership role in 2004.
"Christie made tremendous strides in the off-season," said Shires. "She has really improved her consistency and decision-making abilities on the court. However, I am especially pleased with how effectively she has taken over the leadership role on this year's team."
Johnson, who Shires calls the most athletic person UNO has had at the setting position since Pam Largen, was the team's top server in 2003 and finished second in the NCC with 0.39 service aces per game.
Seriously challenging Johnson will by freshman Katie Agnew (Omaha, Neb.) who led Marian High School to three Nebraska state tournament appearance during her prep career.
Libero/Defensive Specialist
Vying for a starting role as the team's libero will be junior Chelsea Miller (Aurora, Neb.) and sophomore Stacie Wemhoff (Humphrey, Neb.). Considered the two best passers on this year's team, both saw considerable playing time last season.
Miller, who started the first 18 matches in 2003 as an outside hitter, moved into the team's libero role for the team's final 12 matches. Miller led the Mavericks in digs last season with 335 and was third with 28 service aces.
Wemhoff was used mainly as a serving/defensive specialist during her freshman campaign, finishing the season with 100 digs and nine service aces.
Shires believes that both Miller and Wemhoff possess the competive fire and tenacity on the court that are absolutely necessary for success.
"This team, since last November, has decided that they want to take the step to the next level," said Shires. The attitude and intensity in practice since last spring has laid the foundation for what Shires believes will be an extremely exiciting and successful season for Nebraska-Omaha in 2004.
For the past three seasons, the Mavericks have dropped below the .500 mark. However, with five returning seniors in the lineup, this year's squad will be poised to return the Mavericks to the upper echelon of the always-rugged and nationally-prominent North Central Conference as well as to the NCAA Tournament.
In addition to the five returning seniors who all started at some point during the 2003 season, the Mavericks will also return four juniors and a sophomore who all saw extensive playing time last year. Combine that with the return of two redshirt freshmen who made an immediate impact last season in the practice environment and the addition of four talented newcomers, the Mavericks will possess one of the deepest, experienced and talent-laden squads in the NCC and in the entire nation.
However, the Mavericks will have to prove their worth early on in the season as the schedule offers no breaks and features 13 matches against teams that reached the NCAA Tournament a season ago, including matches against three of the four teams that advanced to the NCAA II Final Four last season.
"I purposely scheduled quality opponents for the 2004 season," said Shires. "I know this team is ready to take the step to the next level and I wanted to show my confidence in this team by offering them a demanding non-conference schedule."
Gone from last season's 12-18 squad is three-year starting setter Kylie Lebeda and three-year starting middle blocker Alyssa Matthes. Lebeda finished her career ranked third in UNO history in career assists, while Matthes led the 2003 Mavericks in attack percentage and total blocks, while earning honorable mention all-NCC honors.
"We have a great foundation and I believe we are headed in the right direction," said Shires. "There is a lot of experience on this team for the first time in a few years and that should translate into more consistent and dominating performances on the court."
The following is a breakdown by position:
Outside Hitter
To find the most depth on the squad, one needs to look no further than the outside hitter position. With three returning players who have starting experience on the outside and the addition of two talented newcomers, the competition just to get on the court should be ferocious.
"We have a lot of experience on the outside," said Shires. "The key to playing time will be to find the right combination of ball control and power in our outside hitters. We need excellent ball control on the outside in order to stay in our offense. However, we also need someone who can terminate efficiently both in-system and out-of-system."
Returning on the outside will be seniors Amy McLeay (Omaha, Neb.), Jenny Rankin (North Platte, Neb.), and Julia McConahay (North Platte, Neb.).
McLeay made an immediate impact in her first Maverick season in 2003. She led the Mavericks with 430 kills and was second with 330 digs. An honorable mention, all-NCC selection, McLeay finished second in the final 2003 NCC statistics with 4.00 kills per game and was seventh with 4.07 digs per game.
"Amy provides a great deal of leadership and maturity on the outside," said Shires. "I look for Amy to pick up where she left off last season and provide much-needed stability on the outside."
Rankin is a three-year starter who finished last season with a team second-best 281 kills and third-best 324 digs. Look for the crafty Rankin to provide consistency and intelligence on the outside.
McConahay, who has been a part-time starter the past three seasons, saw action on both the outside and rightside last season. In the Mavericks 6-2 offense, McConahay settled into her role on the rightside during the second half of the 2003 season, finishing with 145 kills and 34 total blocks.
Winthrop University transfer Christina Reicks (Bellevue, Neb.) possesses outstanding ball control and will provide serious competition for a starting spot on the outside.
Also on the outside will be freshman Kelsey Perlinger (Paxton, Neb.), who was a two-time all-state athlete in both volleyball and basketball. A middle blocker in high school, Shires will train the strong and fiercely competitive Perlinger as an outside hitter.
Middle Blocker
Equally as deep but somewhat hobbled by injuries will be the middle blocker position.Although, UNO will have to deal with the loss of Matthes, four players with extensive experience in the middle return for the 2004 season.
Senior Katie Blacketer (North Bend, Neb.) started the first eight matches in 2003 before an ACL tear to her right knee ended her season. If healthy, Blacketer could be one of the most dominating blockers in the NCC.
Junior Ashley Freeman (Council Bluffs, Iowa) had to deal with her second off-season shoulder surgery, but should be 100 percent at the start of fall camp. Freeman has starting experience as both a middle blocker and rightside hitter. She was second on the 2003 squad with 58 total blocks.
Despite nagging knee injuries throughout her career, senior Andrea Wegner (Bancroft, Neb.) could be one of UNO's top middle blockers in 2004. The Mavericks' top jumper, Wegner started nine matches last season and provides much-needed enthusiasm on the court.
Junior Brianna Ritter (Elkhorn, Neb.) was rotated though the starting lineup last season, starting in 10 matches and finishing with 30 total blocks.
Perhaps the Mavericks' most improved player, redshirt freshman Carlie Christensen could see immediate playing time in 2004. Although she has no collegiate experience, Shires believes Christensen possesses the quickness, jumping ability and explosiveness to be one of the top middle blockers in the NCC and is especially pleased by her competitive nature.
Standing 6-2, look for Wichita State transfer Heather Hainline (Papillion, Neb.) to make an immediate impact in the middle. According to Shires, the versatile Hainline should provide an intimidating presence in the middle but could also be used on the outside
Rightside Hitter
The rightside hitter position is the biggest question mark for the Mavericks heading into the season. Both McConahay and Freeman have experience on the rightside, but could also be used at other positions depending on which offensive system the Mavericks run.
With an intimidating block and the highest reach on the 2004 squad, look for 6-2 redshirt freshman Nicole McLeod to provide a serious threat to start on the rightside.
"Nicole has been a pleasure to watch develop as a player," said Shires. "She adapted very quickly to the collegiate game during her redshirt season and is ready to make a big splash in 2004. She provides a huge rightside block and has the ability to hit over leftside blockers."
Setter
The most important position relative to the success of the 2004 Mavericks will be, without a doubt, at setter.
Junior Christie Johnson (Lincoln, Neb.) started last season in the Mavericks' 6-2 alignment, and will be looked upon to provide more of a leadership role in 2004.
"Christie made tremendous strides in the off-season," said Shires. "She has really improved her consistency and decision-making abilities on the court. However, I am especially pleased with how effectively she has taken over the leadership role on this year's team."
Johnson, who Shires calls the most athletic person UNO has had at the setting position since Pam Largen, was the team's top server in 2003 and finished second in the NCC with 0.39 service aces per game.
Seriously challenging Johnson will by freshman Katie Agnew (Omaha, Neb.) who led Marian High School to three Nebraska state tournament appearance during her prep career.
Libero/Defensive Specialist
Vying for a starting role as the team's libero will be junior Chelsea Miller (Aurora, Neb.) and sophomore Stacie Wemhoff (Humphrey, Neb.). Considered the two best passers on this year's team, both saw considerable playing time last season.
Miller, who started the first 18 matches in 2003 as an outside hitter, moved into the team's libero role for the team's final 12 matches. Miller led the Mavericks in digs last season with 335 and was third with 28 service aces.
Wemhoff was used mainly as a serving/defensive specialist during her freshman campaign, finishing the season with 100 digs and nine service aces.
Shires believes that both Miller and Wemhoff possess the competive fire and tenacity on the court that are absolutely necessary for success.
Players Mentioned
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