Post by gobigred on Nov 15, 2006 12:03:30 GMT -5
The Omaha World Herald had this story about MN today. Not much new/exciting information, but just thought our MN folks might appreaciate it. The OWH is running a series where they take a brief look at all the top programs.
Omaha or else: Minnesota
RANK AND RECORD: No. 12; 19-7
HEAD COACH: Mike Hebert
THE STORY IN 2006: In August, the Gophers were in the news for reasons other than the start of the season. Hebert revealed that he'd started developing the early onset of Parkinson's Disease. And the NCAA suspended standout seniors Kelly Bowman (three matches) and Malama Peniata (six matches) for their participation in a summer sand volleyball tournament. After struggling to a 2-4 start with their makeshift rotation - including a four-game loss at No. 1 Nebraska on Sept. 10 - the Gophers have won 17 of their past 20 matches and have earned their stripes in the tough and talented Big Ten.
TOP PLAYERS: Bowman and Peniata are the keys to Minnesota's passing and defense, and together they average about nine digs per game. Kyla Roehrig, a 6-foot-4 sophomore OH from Papillion, leads the team with 3.35 kills per game. Junior 6-3 MB Jessy Jones averages 1.35 blocks, and sophomore setter Rachel Hartmann has done a good job running Minnesota's offense as the team switched from a 6-2 to a 5-1.
TOUGH TESTS: This season, Minnesota twice defeated No. 19 Ohio State, turned in home wins over 10th-ranked Wisconsin and No. 23 Purdue and came within two points of handing No. 5 Penn State a five-game loss. Tonight, the Gophers and Badgers - who are tied for second in the Big Ten at 13-3 - face off again in Madison, Wis. Minnesota also has a rematch at Purdue on Nov. 24.
LOCAL CONNECTION: Roehrig gets two shots at playing for a national title in her own back yard. If it doesn't happen this year, it could when the final four returns to Omaha during Roehrig's senior season of 2008.
COACH SPEAK: Minnesota, which made it to the final four in 2003 and 2004, still has key players on its roster who helped the team make it that far. "Our players understand that a lot has to go right to get to the final four, but they're not overwhelmed by the prospect - and that's an important element to have in a program," Hebert said. "We don't talk about it, but I'm sure our players think about that as a goal."
- Chad Purcell
Omaha or else: Minnesota
RANK AND RECORD: No. 12; 19-7
HEAD COACH: Mike Hebert
THE STORY IN 2006: In August, the Gophers were in the news for reasons other than the start of the season. Hebert revealed that he'd started developing the early onset of Parkinson's Disease. And the NCAA suspended standout seniors Kelly Bowman (three matches) and Malama Peniata (six matches) for their participation in a summer sand volleyball tournament. After struggling to a 2-4 start with their makeshift rotation - including a four-game loss at No. 1 Nebraska on Sept. 10 - the Gophers have won 17 of their past 20 matches and have earned their stripes in the tough and talented Big Ten.
TOP PLAYERS: Bowman and Peniata are the keys to Minnesota's passing and defense, and together they average about nine digs per game. Kyla Roehrig, a 6-foot-4 sophomore OH from Papillion, leads the team with 3.35 kills per game. Junior 6-3 MB Jessy Jones averages 1.35 blocks, and sophomore setter Rachel Hartmann has done a good job running Minnesota's offense as the team switched from a 6-2 to a 5-1.
TOUGH TESTS: This season, Minnesota twice defeated No. 19 Ohio State, turned in home wins over 10th-ranked Wisconsin and No. 23 Purdue and came within two points of handing No. 5 Penn State a five-game loss. Tonight, the Gophers and Badgers - who are tied for second in the Big Ten at 13-3 - face off again in Madison, Wis. Minnesota also has a rematch at Purdue on Nov. 24.
LOCAL CONNECTION: Roehrig gets two shots at playing for a national title in her own back yard. If it doesn't happen this year, it could when the final four returns to Omaha during Roehrig's senior season of 2008.
COACH SPEAK: Minnesota, which made it to the final four in 2003 and 2004, still has key players on its roster who helped the team make it that far. "Our players understand that a lot has to go right to get to the final four, but they're not overwhelmed by the prospect - and that's an important element to have in a program," Hebert said. "We don't talk about it, but I'm sure our players think about that as a goal."
- Chad Purcell
?, Wisconsin and Hawaii.