Aug. 29, 2007

One in a series of previews on Metro State's fall sports teams. Today, a look at the Roadrunner volleyball team. Metro State plays the University of Mary in its home opener, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m., in the Auraria Events Center.

Despite losing four starters, including all-American outside hitter Stefanie Allison, from last year's 21-10 team, Metro State head coach Debbie Hendricks is upbeat and enthusiastic when talking about this year's squad. What are the two biggest reasons for her excitement? Fierce competition and strong leadership on the floor have Hendricks brimming with optimism about her team's potential.

"We're an athletic team, but we have a lot of unknowns," said Hendricks. "Our returners have made a commitment this spring to this team. I think we have very strong team chemistry and good leadership in this group. That should bring the new players in quickly. I feel good about how we work together and we'll get a lot of good work done."

Hendricks has just two seniors, although one of them is all-American outside hitter Julie Green, and welcomes seven newcomers. She admits there will be time of adjustment and the Roadrunners' inexperience will pop its head at times as the newcoming players learn her system. This season could mirror last year's group, which started just 3-6, but rebounded to win 14 of its final 16 matches and advance to its seventh consecutive NCAA Tournament. However, the athleticism and chemistry of this group has Hendricks anticipating the year to come.

"We're still very young but it's definitely a huge step to have our setter (sophomore Stephanie Levi) with a year under her belt," said Hendricks. "We have solid senior ball control and I have a great deal of confidence in our inexperienced players, although there will be a learning curve there."

With several talented players fighting at each position, Hendricks anticipates tough competition for the coveted starting spots. Ultimately, this toughness only benefits the entire team as it improves throughout the season.

"Most every position is very competitive, even more so than in the past couple of years," said Hendricks. "It should keep everyone working hard to get on and stay on the floor. We hope it pushes the team all year long. We have the potential to have different starters week to week because of the competition."

Setter

The setter position is much less of a question mark going into this season than it was a year ago, thanks to the play of sophomore Stephanie Levi. Levi, a second team all-RMAC performer in 2006, ranked ninth in the NCAA and led the RMAC in assists during her freshman campaign. With a year of running the offense under her belt, Levi should only get better.

"We've had a great deal of confidence in Stephanie since we recruited her and now she has a year of experience," said Hendricks. "She did a great job as a freshman and now she understands what it takes to go from the preseason to the championship level of play. She grew a lot last year and is the cornerstone of our offense in a lot of ways."

Backing up Levi at setter is newcomer Hollie Funderburk, a transfer from RMAC rival Colorado Christian, and defensive specialist Amy Watanabe. Funderburk was a part-time setter for the Cougars in 2004 and 2005 before sitting out last season.

"Hollie and Amy are capable backups to Stephanie Levi," said Hendricks. "It was great to get Hollie. She worked very hard in the spring and has established a great work ethic."

Outside hitter

The outside is a bit of a concern as three out of the four outside hitters underwent knee surgery in the offseason. However, Hendricks is happy to have the position anchored by senior returning all-American Julie Green. Green ranks seventh on the Metro State career kills list with 1121, including 515 a year ago.

"We should be really strong on the outside," said Hendricks. "But with three of our four outsides having knee surgery, it is how we come back from that. We certainly have four strong, sizable athletes on the outside. We think Julie will have her best year yet. She comes in focused and motivated."

Also returning is redshirt junior Danny Myers and redshirt freshman Erin Keller. Myers played in 19 matches a year ago, posting a career-high 10 kills on two occasions, while Keller, a lanky 6-foot-1, was forced to redshirt after several injuries. New to the outside is freshman Kelsey Ellis. Ellis, a two-time honorable mention all-State performer at Anoka (Minn.) High School, will challenge for time right away.

"Danny got some great experience and confidence last year after more playing time," said Hendricks. "Erin and Kelsey will challenge for a spot. We are very deep and very competitive on the outside, which is a great thing for the team."

Middle blocker

The middle blocker position is the biggest question mark on the floor going into the 2007 season, but that has more to do with youth and inexperience rather than talent. Hendricks does not return a single middle blocker and is relying on the trio of newcomers, all freshmen, to learn the game's speed and the team's system quickly.

Lisa Jones, an all-State performer at Pueblo (Colo.) East High School, and Shayne Kovach (Whitewater), an Academic all-State selection, come in as highly regarded local recruits. Also joining the trio is Megan Murray, a California native. Murray was a team captain and also an all-Academic performer at Trabuco Hills High School.

"The middle is the area of least experience and is the area we're going to have to grow quickly in," said Hendricks. "We will have to be patient and allow these athletes to learn the position, the footwork and the arm swing. All are capable of quick improvement as they get used to the speed of the game. No two of these players are alike and all bring different things to the floor."

Right side

With just one full-time right side hitter, the position is thin and inexperienced but Hendricks has been pleased with the play of redshirt freshman Danielle St. Pierre early in the preseason.

"Danielle has worked incredibly hard this spring and really put herself in a position to compete for the starting role," said Hendricks. "We are pleased with how hard she's worked. She is the most changed athlete of our returners."

Hendricks also is prepared to move any of the outside hitters to the right side for added depth and versatility.

Defensive Specialist

Defense and ball control is a definite strength of this year's group, anchored by returning players Bri Ostler and Amy Watanabe. Ostler, a senior, set the school's single-season record and ranked fourth in the RMAC in digs per game (4.74) during her first season at Metro State, while Watanabe was a workhorse in the back row as a freshman a year ago, playing in all 122 games as a walk-on. Both are quick, agile players in the back.

"I feel very good about our ball control," said Hendricks. "It is as good as it's been in several years. Bri and Amy developed a lot during the spring and we have really emphasized the passing piece."

Also seeing time in the back row will be freshman Sarah Vallejos, a newcomer from Sterling, Colo.

"Sarah is a great incoming freshman who will challenge for time," said Hendricks.

While this year's team may endure some growing pains, especially initially, the competitiveness and team chemistry of this year's group means that the potential for success is sky high.