Post by bigfan on Sept 20, 2006 18:09:04 GMT -5
Volleyball's Larson avoiding the classic sophomore slump
By: Brian Ortmeier
The sophomore slump is commonplace in sports, but one Nebraska volleyball player is defeating the odds.
Sophomore outside hitter Jordan Larson has not only thwarted the dreaded phrase, but has increased her role in the Cornhuskers' lineup by becoming a more consistent player.
In her first year as a Husker in 2005, Larson had an excellent campaign but wore down as the season progressed. One example of her decline was her split performances against Iowa State, NU's opponent at 7 p.m. today in the Coliseum.
During the September win over the Cyclones, Larson recorded 15 kills and seven digs, but the production dropped off on a Nov. 5 road trip to Ames in which she had only six kills and eight digs.
Larson said she wasn't sure if she was mentally prepared for the longer collegiate season, which ends in late December instead of early November.
"Four months is a long time," Larson said. "And just going out and trying to play your best every night, it's hard. I guess this year I'm trying to focus on staying equal all the way through."
The fatigue finally caught up with her in the national championship match against Washington when Larson turned in one of her lowest outputs of the season. Her final numbers were 12 digs and only one kill.
"She was off and she was a young player," Cook said. "I think she was worn down physically by the end of last year, so that was one of our goals was to get her stronger this year so she could be strong in December."
Though it's early, Cook said he could see the progress Larson made this offseason with her improved blocking and her overall better play.
"She's worked really hard to improve herself physically so she can take more swings and carry a bigger offensive load for us this year," NU Coach John Cook said of Larson's increased role.
Through nine matches, Larson has already recorded 104 digs, well ahead of the pace she was on last season at the very same point with 71.
"Last year, I think Jennifer Saleaumua was one of our best defensive players," Larson said. "I just tried to take over that role of where she is gone."
Larson's ability to reach double figures on offense and defense has turned her into a double-double threat every night she takes the court.
Larson notched her team-leading fifth double-double of the season Saturday night to help the Huskers sweep Oklahoma.
Another double-double would be welcome again tonight. The Cyclones come to Lincoln as the No. 1 blocking team in the Big 12 Conference, averaging 3.70 blocks per game.
"We just have to take every team as it comes," Larson said. "We really have to focus on what (Iowa State) has to bring and just step up to the plate."
By: Brian Ortmeier
The sophomore slump is commonplace in sports, but one Nebraska volleyball player is defeating the odds.
Sophomore outside hitter Jordan Larson has not only thwarted the dreaded phrase, but has increased her role in the Cornhuskers' lineup by becoming a more consistent player.
In her first year as a Husker in 2005, Larson had an excellent campaign but wore down as the season progressed. One example of her decline was her split performances against Iowa State, NU's opponent at 7 p.m. today in the Coliseum.
During the September win over the Cyclones, Larson recorded 15 kills and seven digs, but the production dropped off on a Nov. 5 road trip to Ames in which she had only six kills and eight digs.
Larson said she wasn't sure if she was mentally prepared for the longer collegiate season, which ends in late December instead of early November.
"Four months is a long time," Larson said. "And just going out and trying to play your best every night, it's hard. I guess this year I'm trying to focus on staying equal all the way through."
The fatigue finally caught up with her in the national championship match against Washington when Larson turned in one of her lowest outputs of the season. Her final numbers were 12 digs and only one kill.
"She was off and she was a young player," Cook said. "I think she was worn down physically by the end of last year, so that was one of our goals was to get her stronger this year so she could be strong in December."
Though it's early, Cook said he could see the progress Larson made this offseason with her improved blocking and her overall better play.
"She's worked really hard to improve herself physically so she can take more swings and carry a bigger offensive load for us this year," NU Coach John Cook said of Larson's increased role.
Through nine matches, Larson has already recorded 104 digs, well ahead of the pace she was on last season at the very same point with 71.
"Last year, I think Jennifer Saleaumua was one of our best defensive players," Larson said. "I just tried to take over that role of where she is gone."
Larson's ability to reach double figures on offense and defense has turned her into a double-double threat every night she takes the court.
Larson notched her team-leading fifth double-double of the season Saturday night to help the Huskers sweep Oklahoma.
Another double-double would be welcome again tonight. The Cyclones come to Lincoln as the No. 1 blocking team in the Big 12 Conference, averaging 3.70 blocks per game.
"We just have to take every team as it comes," Larson said. "We really have to focus on what (Iowa State) has to bring and just step up to the plate."
