Sara Mouw July 24, 2009

Central looks for bounceback season

For the first time since 1996, the Central College volleyball team isn’t defending an Iowa Conference title.

But that hasn’t changed coach Kent Clayberg’s approach to the 2009 campaign.

“I wouldn’t say we ever used a conference championship as the sole measuring stick for the things we want to accomplish,” he said. “There’s no doubt we were all aware of (the streak) last year so there was some pressure, I suppose. But (not winning) doesn’t alleviate pressure. When you have high expectations as we do, there’s always pressure.

“But I will say I’ve sensed a spark of energy this year because we want the title back. And that’s a positive thing.”

Central’s bid to return to the top suffered some unexpected blows even before the preseason practice balls go in the air. The Dutch were hit with off-season injuries, including an especially disappointing season-ender to junior right-side hitter Shayna Jacobs, who had previously missed her freshman season as well. Two freshmen Clayberg expected to be in the mix were also lost.

“Injuries are obviously something you hope to avoid,” he said. “Our margin for error is small because we’ve already had some losses. But every season has its obstacles and these injuries are not the only thing we’ll overcome. We don’t ever expect things to be easy – but we’ll find strength in each other to rise and meet the challenges.”

Four starters return from last season’s 21-15 club that finished third in the league at 6-2, more than enough to build around, Clayberg said.

“We’ve still got everything we need to have the kind of year we want to have,” he said. “We’ve got the chemistry, we’ve got the power and we’ve got the ball control.”

Central was riddled with injuries last year as well but Clayberg sees an upside to that.

“We’ll be a much more aware team on the floor,” he said. “That’s one of the virtues of having to play so many people last year because of injuries.”

Setter

“Setter is not a position of great depth as far as experience goes, but we’ve got great leadership there,” Clayberg said.    

Maggie Snyder, a 5-foot-7 sophomore, forced her way into the starting lineup late last season, averaging 5.39 assists while appearing in 24 matches.

“As a freshman, Maggie’s playing time increased throughout the year,” Clayberg said. “She was a little overwhelmed initially as a freshman with the speed of the game but I think things will slow down for her this year. She brings great intensity to the floor and creates a lot of energy.”

Dena Christian, a 5-7 senior, is a team co-captain. She played in seven matches last year.

“Dena got her first varsity experience last year,” Clayberg said. “She ran the second team all year. She understands the varsity game, she’s a great communicator and a great leader.”

If she can rebound from injury, 5-8 sophomore Taylor Schuelke could make an impact.

“She’s very athletic,” Clayberg said. “We haven’t really seen what Taylor can do yet.”

Lindsay JenningsMiddle hitter

Injuries forced a lot of scrambling at middle hitter last year but consequently, the Dutch enter 2009 with four players who gained starting experience.

The leader is 6-1 senior Lindsay Jennings, a team co-captain who earned all-Iowa Conference honorable mention last year. She averaged 2.09 kills with a .257 attack percentage and 0.88 blocks.

“This could be the year that Lindsay really puts it together,” Clayberg said. “She’s dynamic offensively and has a great defensive presence.”

Sara Mouw, a 6-0 senior, was a part-time starter in the middle, averaging 1.15 kills with a .257 attack percentage.

“Sara is very physical and very athletic,” Clayberg said. “This is her second year on the varsity and with that experience she will be free to play with more awareness and boldness. She’s got all the physical tools to be a real force.”

Clayberg is excited about the promise showed by a pair of 6-0 sophomores, Haley Brillhart and Kiley Meyers. Brillhart averaged 1.56 kills with a .299 attack percentage in 16 matches with 0.87 blocks. Meyers was in nine matches, averaging 1.47 kills with a .373 attack percentage.

“Kiley is an exceptional athlete,” Clayberg said. “Haley’s movement patterns are sometimes unorthodox, but she’s very effective. She finds ways to score. She learns on the fly and picks things up very quickly. It will be hard to not have those two getting significant time on the floor.”

Also contending is 5-10 junior Katie Huff, who played in 14 matches and may split time between middle hitter and right side.

Right-side hitter

It could be a break-out year for Ashley Ellingson on the right side, Clayberg said. A 6-0 junior and team co-captain, Ellingson averaged 1.68 kills last year.

“Last year Ashley showed dramatic growth,” Clayberg said. “She’s a complete player whose skill set lets her play all the way around. She’s athletic, strong and can be a difference-maker for us offensively and defensively.”

Possibly sliding over to fill the void created by the injury to Jacobs are a pair of sophomore outside hitters, 5-10 Amy Golly and 5-9 Caitlin Kouba. Golly appeared in 16 matches, averaging 0.97 kills while Kouba averaged 1.16 kills in 19 matches.

“Caitlin, Amy, and Katie Huff all took some reps as hitting from the right-side last year, so we’ve got some good options to work with” Clayberg said.

Michelle RippergerOutside hitter

Michelle Ripperger, a 5-9 senior, was a first-team all-conference pick last season and is another team co-captain. She delivered a team-high 2.47 kills while hitting .254.

“Every year we’ve seen different areas of Michelle’s game blossom,” Clayberg said. “Her power is her calling card but this year I think we’ll see her back row play emerge. She’s got the skill set to be a dominant all-around player.”

Golly and Kouba are looking for starting spots as well.

“They’re both ready to step in,” Clayberg said. “They both had great off-seasons and we can use them a lot of different ways.”

Cyndi Johnson, a 5-8 junior, is up from the junior varsity.

Defensive specialist

Clayberg calls defensive specialist the team’s deepest area. Chelsea Grieger, a 5-5 sophomore, scrapped her way into the lineup midway through the season and appeared in 35 matches with 2.28 digs.

“Chelsea’s a very intuitive player,” Clayberg said.

Jenna Gillette, a 5-6 senior, struggled through an injury-plagued junior year, playing in 20 matches and averaging 2.12 digs.

“Jenna proved her versatility and instincts as a sophomore in the NCAA tournament when she got called in at the last minute to play a position she’d never played before,” Clayberg said. “She’s a competitor.”

Nichole McGrew, a 5-4 junior who played in 14 matches, has similar qualities.

“Nichole’s got a very feisty demeanor and brings a lot of energy and competitive intensity,” Clayberg said.

Also pushing for varsity slots are 5-6 sophomore Jenae Jenison and 5-4 sophomore Elizabeth Sanders.

The schedule

Clayberg expects defending conference champion Loras to contend again, along with veteran Simpson and Cornell squads. Luther, after going with a young lineup in 2008, could climb as well, he said.

“The conference, from top to bottom, is getting stronger and deeper and will have more of a presence on the national scene,” Clayberg said.

Central’s non-conference slate is highlighted by the Boxer Kickoff Classic at Pacific Univ. in Forest Grove, Ore. Sept. 4-5. It’s one of six regular-season tournaments on the Dutch schedule, including return appearances at tournaments hosted by perennial NCAA Division III powers Washington-St. Louis (Mo.) and Wis.-Whitewater, as well as the IIAC-MIAC Border Battle, played this year at Dubuque Oct. 2-3.

The challenges are many, but Clayberg’s optimism rarely wavers.

“I think we could be very good,” he said.