Volleyball Q&A Preview Series: Middle Blockers
Aug 25, 2015 | Volleyball
OMAHA, Neb. -- With the start of the 2015 volleyball season coming up this week, head coach Rose Shires has engaged in a four-part Q&A series on OMavs.com to provide an outlook of her team as it prepares for its first Division I year with full NCAA postseason eligibility. This week, Shires previews the Mavericks' middle blockers.
OMavs.com: What factors are involved in choosing a starting middle?
Shires: “There are typically two types of middles: the M1 and the M2. The M1 is typically your best middle hitter and can hit an effective slide attack. The M1 in a 5-1 offense is usually in the front row with the setter, leaving only two attackers in the front row, and therefore needs to block well to protect the setter and hit the slide to split the block. The M2 is best attacking off two feet and is typically a very good blocker and can move pin to pin very quickly. I believe that middles in our program must have moxie, grit, drive and determination. They must consistently fight to be in the right place at a very fast tempo.
OMavs.com: Looking at your group of four middles for 2015, what are your thoughts on each?
Shires: “Megan Schmale is a powerful middle hitter who is one of the best slide attackers in UNO history. She has a high volleyball IQ with the shot selection to use her knowledge. Megan is a great blocker and is very fast going from pin to pin. She has a great deal of on-court experience and will be counted on heavily this fall.
“Diane Banderas is the most explosive player on our roster. She is dynamic and quick both off the ground and laterally. Diane is a middle who can out-quick just about anyone. She has an amazing work ethic and is a leader in our program both on and off the court. Her volleyball IQ and positive drive allow Diane to reach new levels each day.
“Amy Taylor is a big blocking middle who takes a lot of space at the net. She has great vision and anticipation skills as a blocker. Amy has become a strong attacking middle who hits well off both two feet and with the slide attack. She is a positive leader on our team.
“Finally, Amanda Conlin is a big force at the net as a blocker who is quick off the ground. She has worked hard to improve her attacking and vision of the block. We look for Amanda to add great competition at the middle blocker position.”
2015 PRESEASON VOLLEYBALL Q&A SCHEDULE
Week 1 – Setters/Rightside Hitters
Week 2 -- Outside Hitters
Week 3 – Defenders
Week 4 -- Middles
