Bobcat Spikers Making Progress, Will Scrimmage Saturday
8/25/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
“We’re right where I thought we would be,” Malauulu said. “We’re doing some nice things; however, we still have some growing to do, and that includes both veterans and rookies.”
The Bobcats, who posted an 18-11 overall record last fall, are beginning its second week of preseason drills as they prepare for the season opener at Gonzaga on Sept. 1. MSU returns all six starters and libero Kandice Kelly.
The public will have a chance to view the 2004 Bobcat squad on Saturday, August 28 at 10 a.m., in the annual Blue-Gold Scrimmage. The match is free and will be played in Shroyer Gym.
Junior Megan Zanto (Helena) and senior setter Kamber Kelly (Roundup) have set the pace the past two weeks in drills. Zanto, who was a second-team All-Big Sky Conference performer last year, has stood out in both blocking and hitting.
“Megan is really ahead of everyone else when it comes to those two areas,” Malauulu said. “It’s nice to have one of the top blockers in the nation on our court. It really makes everyone hitting against her work that much harder to terminate a ball.
“Offensively, she is adding to her arsenal and is becoming a much smarter hitter.”
Kelly, who will be a four-year starter at the setting position, is playing an important leadership role in the early season.
“One of the keys for us this season is communication, and as setter, it will be up to Kamber to make sure everyone is on the same page,” Malauulu said. “So far, she has embraced that role, and is staying patient with the newcomers, while pushing the veterans to another level.”
Malauulu also singled-out the Bobcat outside hitting corps for strong play in the preseason.
“The area that has really opened my eyes has been the consistency of our outside hitters,’ Malauulu said. “Last year, it took a lot of time to get where we wanted to be at the end of the season. So far this fall, the outsides have really moved along quickly and will be a force.”
MSU’s outside hitting corps will include returning starters Meggie Malyurek, LeAnn Kinvig and Kim Stonehouse, along with newcomers Sammy Krier and freshman Patti Anderson.
Malauulu also announced that freshmen setter Brittni Sesler and freshman outside hitter Laura Viren will redshirt the 2004 season.
The Bobcats, who posted an 18-11 overall record last fall, are beginning its second week of preseason drills as they prepare for the season opener at Gonzaga on Sept. 1. MSU returns all six starters and libero Kandice Kelly.
The public will have a chance to view the 2004 Bobcat squad on Saturday, August 28 at 10 a.m., in the annual Blue-Gold Scrimmage. The match is free and will be played in Shroyer Gym.
Junior Megan Zanto (Helena) and senior setter Kamber Kelly (Roundup) have set the pace the past two weeks in drills. Zanto, who was a second-team All-Big Sky Conference performer last year, has stood out in both blocking and hitting.
“Megan is really ahead of everyone else when it comes to those two areas,” Malauulu said. “It’s nice to have one of the top blockers in the nation on our court. It really makes everyone hitting against her work that much harder to terminate a ball.
“Offensively, she is adding to her arsenal and is becoming a much smarter hitter.”
Kelly, who will be a four-year starter at the setting position, is playing an important leadership role in the early season.
“One of the keys for us this season is communication, and as setter, it will be up to Kamber to make sure everyone is on the same page,” Malauulu said. “So far, she has embraced that role, and is staying patient with the newcomers, while pushing the veterans to another level.”
Malauulu also singled-out the Bobcat outside hitting corps for strong play in the preseason.
“The area that has really opened my eyes has been the consistency of our outside hitters,’ Malauulu said. “Last year, it took a lot of time to get where we wanted to be at the end of the season. So far this fall, the outsides have really moved along quickly and will be a force.”
MSU’s outside hitting corps will include returning starters Meggie Malyurek, LeAnn Kinvig and Kim Stonehouse, along with newcomers Sammy Krier and freshman Patti Anderson.
Malauulu also announced that freshmen setter Brittni Sesler and freshman outside hitter Laura Viren will redshirt the 2004 season.
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