Post by bigfan on Nov 21, 2006 14:28:05 GMT -5
Big Ten title for the taking at Rec Hall this weekend
By Mark Viera
Collegian Staff Writer
The three-time defending Big Ten champion Penn State women's volleyball team will have a crack at defending its conference crown this coming weekend, with matches against Illinois (15-13, 6-12 Big Ten) and Northwestern (14-13, 8-10) at 7 on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively, in Rec Hall.
One win this weekend will be enough to secure at least a share of the title -- with Minnesota (21-7, 15-3) -- for the No. 5 Nittany Lions (27-2, 16-2). Another Big Ten championship will be the Lions' first run of four in a row since 1996-9. If the Lions win both matches, however, it would be the only time in Big Ten history that one team has captured four outright conference championships.
Though this team may be on the cusp of something very unique -- in the Big Ten and as it heads towards the NCAA Tournament -- there's still a level of focus that hasn't been attained, Penn State head coach Russ Rose said. And with the final two regular season matches to be played, he is still somewhat unsure what direction this team will take.
"I think to be in the position we're in is good for this group of athletes because we've got a young group of athletes," he said, "and I don't think we have a great group of leadership on the team ... There's times when the players emphasize having fun, and I think that's great, but you have to get the job done."
Though the young team is very talented, already boasting a number of All-Big Ten and All-American performers, plus some of the nation's top freshmen, this group might love each other a little too much.
And that, players and coaches have said, can throw them off a little bit. Often, they're too lax in practice or become too comfortable during matches. And while such chemistry is good, it must be moderated.
"Sometimes we get ourselves in trouble," sophomore middle hitter Christa Harmotto said. "It's good when we play relaxed and we are joking around a little bit, when we're both relaxed and intense at the same time. We have to control that."
But when the Lions are perfectly aligned, loose and collected at the same time, that's when they're at their best, players say. That's when they "click perfectly," Harmotto said.
Those are the times when freshman outside hitter Megan Hodge and sophomore outside hitter Nicole Fawcett are taking big swings and racking up kills. Those are the times when junior middle hitter Melissa Walbridge and Harmotto build a formidable wall, while a solid passing game and serving effort shows through.
"I think we need to have excitement and enjoyment and still be focused," freshman setter Alisha Glass said. "I think that's something we really need to hold onto ... I think we're still struggling to find it and that makes me nervous."
Nervous as some may be, a bit of fate seems to be working on their side so long as Penn State wins the Big Ten championship next weekend.
The last time Penn State won four consecutive conference titles starting in 1996, the final leg of the championship streak in 1999 culminated with a national championship.
PHOTO: Joelle Makon
Melissa Walbridge (2) goes up for the kill against Indiana earlier this season. The Penn State women's volleyball team can capture at least a share of its fourth Big Ten title in a row this weekend with a win in one of its matches.
By Mark Viera
Collegian Staff Writer
The three-time defending Big Ten champion Penn State women's volleyball team will have a crack at defending its conference crown this coming weekend, with matches against Illinois (15-13, 6-12 Big Ten) and Northwestern (14-13, 8-10) at 7 on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively, in Rec Hall.
One win this weekend will be enough to secure at least a share of the title -- with Minnesota (21-7, 15-3) -- for the No. 5 Nittany Lions (27-2, 16-2). Another Big Ten championship will be the Lions' first run of four in a row since 1996-9. If the Lions win both matches, however, it would be the only time in Big Ten history that one team has captured four outright conference championships.
Though this team may be on the cusp of something very unique -- in the Big Ten and as it heads towards the NCAA Tournament -- there's still a level of focus that hasn't been attained, Penn State head coach Russ Rose said. And with the final two regular season matches to be played, he is still somewhat unsure what direction this team will take.
"I think to be in the position we're in is good for this group of athletes because we've got a young group of athletes," he said, "and I don't think we have a great group of leadership on the team ... There's times when the players emphasize having fun, and I think that's great, but you have to get the job done."
Though the young team is very talented, already boasting a number of All-Big Ten and All-American performers, plus some of the nation's top freshmen, this group might love each other a little too much.
And that, players and coaches have said, can throw them off a little bit. Often, they're too lax in practice or become too comfortable during matches. And while such chemistry is good, it must be moderated.
"Sometimes we get ourselves in trouble," sophomore middle hitter Christa Harmotto said. "It's good when we play relaxed and we are joking around a little bit, when we're both relaxed and intense at the same time. We have to control that."
But when the Lions are perfectly aligned, loose and collected at the same time, that's when they're at their best, players say. That's when they "click perfectly," Harmotto said.
Those are the times when freshman outside hitter Megan Hodge and sophomore outside hitter Nicole Fawcett are taking big swings and racking up kills. Those are the times when junior middle hitter Melissa Walbridge and Harmotto build a formidable wall, while a solid passing game and serving effort shows through.
"I think we need to have excitement and enjoyment and still be focused," freshman setter Alisha Glass said. "I think that's something we really need to hold onto ... I think we're still struggling to find it and that makes me nervous."
Nervous as some may be, a bit of fate seems to be working on their side so long as Penn State wins the Big Ten championship next weekend.
The last time Penn State won four consecutive conference titles starting in 1996, the final leg of the championship streak in 1999 culminated with a national championship.
PHOTO: Joelle Makon
Melissa Walbridge (2) goes up for the kill against Indiana earlier this season. The Penn State women's volleyball team can capture at least a share of its fourth Big Ten title in a row this weekend with a win in one of its matches.
