Aug. 28, 2002
EVANSTON, Ill. - For those who know Northwestern volleyball, this is the year. "Last year we made huge strides, as a team and as a program," head coach Keylor Chan said. "This year, with six returning starters and a strong incoming class, we should be prepared for any situation." The 2001 team, devoid of seniors, has morphed into a more experienced squad in 2002. While the 'Cats were out of the regular-season spotlight from last December to August, they played a tough spring schedule, earned international playing stripes and signed a few explosive recruits. Now, NU looks for a chance to prove itself in one of the strongest volleyball conferences in the nation, the Big Ten. "I think this is a year where we can make our mark in the Big Ten. We made a lot of noise last year and shook up just about every team. We're no longer going to be the 'surprise' team," Chan said.
The Offseason NU played in three spring tournaments, hosting two of them. The team had the rare opportunity to play against Tianjin, one of China's premier professional volleyball teams. The focus of the spring games, said Chan, was not the outcome. "You can only get better by playing the best, and we had the good fortune to play both the United States' and China's best last spring." In addition, four Wildcats were able to travel with select teams to Europe. Drew Robertson and Erika Lange took part in Spring Cup 2002 in Croatia with the USA National Select Team, while Kelli Meyer and Sarah Ballog were invited to play at the Sibillini tournament in Italy. "Erika and Drew's experience on the National Select team is invaluable and will only make them that much better and experienced heading into this season. Sarah and Kelli got the same high-caliber experience in Italy," Chan said. The summer training sessions were designed to be intense and individually focused. The result, Chan said, is a team of extremely fit players in excellent volleyball condition.
The Schedule The pre-conference schedule is one of the most difficult in recent history for the Wildcats. They will square off against five NCAA tournament teams from last season, including San Diego, North Carolina and Notre Dame. A match against Pepperdine, a top-10 team, will push the level of competition two weeks before the start of Big Ten play. Hometown bragging rights are also on the line in the first few weeks of the sesason. The Wildcat Classic, which was cancelled last season due to the Sept. 11 tragedies, will feature Loyola-Chicago and DePaul. But without a doubt it is the Big Ten schedule that the Wildcats are waiting for. That is where they have a chance to improve upon last season's 6-14 conference mark and eighth-place finish. "I think there is going to be balance among the league in 2002, so it's really anyone's year," Chan said. "This Northwestern squad is ready to cross the line into the upper half of the Big Ten."
The Rule Changes "The last two years have seen a big shift in how the collegiate game is played," Chan said. The 2001 season was the first to be played with rally scoring, and this season will see the debut of the "libero" position. The libero is a back-row-only player who has unlimited substitution ability. This will help the 'Cats shore up on passing and defense in 2002.
The Leadership It was a harsh reality in 2001-no seniors often meant no leadership in tough times. But now the 'Cats will be able to rely on five experienced seniors. "Seniors Sarah Ballog and Kelli Meyer are the team captains," said Chan. "They were teammates in Italy this summer and have been starters since their freshman year, so we feel they are ready to be leaders in their final season." Sophomore setter Drew Robertson, an intense and vocal presence during matches, will provide the on-court direction from her position. Chan noted that the underclassmen, including Robertson and junior middle blocker Erika Lange, often rallied together last season to get the job done.
The Positions: Middle Blockers The middle blocking tandem of Ballog and Lange will be hard to top in the Big Ten. Last season the 'Cats led the conference in blocking, and Lange was ninth in the nation in blocks-per-game average. The junior's breakthrough performance on the USA National Select Team over the summer secures her place as one of the premier middle blockers in the country. Ballog, described as the steady force of the program, looks to build on the experience she gained in Italy over the summer. Her intense sense of competition will make her hungry for a great senior season, and she figures to be one of the best Big Ten blockers. Sophomore Leah Delcourt, an athletic middle who has been hampered by injuries, had the best spring of anyone on the team, according to Chan. She made the transition from outside hitter to middle blocker in the offseason and, at 6-1, will be a strong addition at the net.
The Positions: Setters Robertson had an outstanding season in 2001 and was given a nod to the Big Ten All-Freshman team in recognition of her efforts. The athletic sophomore led the team in assists and digs, and surprised opponents with strong blocking skills. "We're excited to see what she can do with a year of college under her belt," Chan said. Robertson's experience at the international level this summer with the USA National Select Team will also be invaluable. Meyer, who was the starting setter two years before Robertson joined the squad, could also be called upon to direct the offense. The senior has collected 2,408 assists in her career and is fourth on NU's all-time list. Junior Erica Knavel, normally a defensive specialist, trained at setter during the offseason and could play the position in relief of Robertson or Meyer.
The Positions: Outside Hitters For the first time in several seasons, the outside hitter is a position the 'Cats don't lack depth in. Junior Molly Kamp returns with two years of starting experience to her credit and will bring her big swing back to the outside. Chan said Kamp will also be looked upon to provide passing and defensive abilities again this season. Sophomore Jill Buschur could emerge as one of the dominant outside hitters in the Big Ten. She had an explosive season as a redshirt freshman and will be expected to take on more of an offensive role. During the offseason Buschur focused on passing and ball control in order to become a more complete player. Senior Cassie McKnight provides the "special teams" type of assistance on the court. She nailed 41 aces with her jump serve last season for one of the best aces-per-game averages in the conference. Described by Chan as a crafty attacker, she will compete for a starting position in 2002. "Molly, Jill and Cassie were the nucleus of the outside hitting position a year ago, and we expect them to be major contributers again this year," Chan stated. "These three, along with our newcomers, make up a very diverse, athletic group of outside hitters." The two signees for 2002 are both trained as outside hitters. Iwona Lodzik, a transfer from Triton College, was a two-time all-conference and all-region selection with a 3.48 kills-per-game average. "Iwona has trained on the Polish National team, so she brings a high level of experience and volleyball I.Q. that could help propel us immediately," Chan said. Incoming freshman Christie Gardner also brings a host of accolades with her. A high school All-American and MVP of the Junior Olympics, Gardner has what Chan describes as a complete game. "She has played at the highest club level and could see immediate playing time," he said.
The Positions: Right-Side Hitter Senior Kelli Meyer is the incumbent after switching from setter to opposite hitter last season. The 6-2 Meyer has a great arm swing and has worked in the off-season on varying her attack. According to Chan, her experience as a setter makes her a threat to opponents when she has to take the ball off a pass. The other two hitters on the right side have had rocky careers to date. Senior Brandy Stohl has had a tumultuous career battling knee problems, but was able to make substantial contributions in the back row last year. Sophomore Lindsay Pavlik was able to redshirt the 2001 season after undergoing a series of medical ailments. In addition to her athleticism, Pavlik provides an emotional lift for the team. Of Stohl and Pavlik, Chan said, "When healthy, both are extremely gifted athletes. Our goal is to get them healthy and keep them that way. With those two full-go, we are very deep on the right side."
The Positions: Libero/Defensive Specialist The back row was handled last season by senior Jill Fantozzi and junior Erika Knavel. Both came through in clutch situations, making big plays when necessary. Improvement on passing and ball control was emphasized by the coaching staff in the offseason, and combined with increased experience should lead to a stronger defensive effort for the Wildcats. Gardner may also fill a spot in the back row, according to Chan. "Christie is a ball control-expert, and if she isn't hitting on the outside she could easily see time at the libero or defensive specialist spots." Incoming freshman Lizzie Carlson is considered to be one of the top libero prospects in the nation. Carlson was part of a national championship team at the club level and could challege immediately for a starting position.