Volleyball Preview, Part 5: UIC
Aug. 19, 2006
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
With its 2005 Horizon League Tournament title dreams coming to an abrupt halt after a strong third-place finish during the regular season, the UIC volleyball team is ready to fight fire with fire in 2006.
The Flames will bear a similar look from last season with all of their starters back on the court and ready to go in the fall, including All-Horizon League honorees, senior Ambria Springer and junior Katarina Nedeljkovic. UIC also welcomes in a talented group of five newcomers, consisting of an experienced Division I transfer and four gifted freshmen, with all being counted on to make an immediate impact.
With that kind of firepower in their lineup, head coach Nancy Mueller's crew is set to build off the successes of last season and vie for the League title and the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament berth.
"I have very high expectations for the 2006 season because we have a good returning core of players," Mueller said. "This is our best season in terms of our depth and that element is a key to a successful volleyball team."
While each year passes with steady improvement under Mueller, now in her third season, the team has handled changes within the program and has grasped a sense of ownership and pride over the last two years.
"Our team is really becoming better known in the community and supporting our other sports and student-athletes," said Muller. "The players are very proud to be volleyball players. The other positive thing is how well the team has taken to change. Change is difficult, but the players have really approached challenges head first and taken to what we want to accomplish here at UIC, so they have a huge sense of pride."
MIDDLE BLOCKERS
With All-Horizon League recipient Ambria Springer and sophomore Kerri Hee back for UIC, the Flames are deep with talent, especially with the addition of freshman Lana Lobdell.
With the ability to be one of the best middle blockers in the league, Springer led the Flames last season with 113 total blocks. The senior also paced UIC with a .272 attack percentage, earning her a seventh-place ranking in the league.
"Ambria's versatility is going to help her become one of the best players in the league," said Mueller. "She is a powerful offensive weapon and we can utilize her on the outside as well."
Last season, Hee ranked second on the team behind Springer with 66 total blocks and tallied 115 kills in 98 games. Hoping to surprise some people this season with her talent, newcomer Lobdell is considered the best athlete and blocker of the incoming class by the coaching staff.
"At 6-foot-2, Lana is a physical presence on the floor and can be used on the outside or the right side depending upon where we need her to perform," said Mueller.
RIGHT SIDE
The 2005 All-Horizon League performer---Katarina Nedeljkovic---returns for the Flames on the right side with determination. A court savvy junior, Nedeljkovic will be looked to continue to be productive offensively and provide leadership for the team as an upperclassman.
"Katarina knows the game, hits a heavy ball and uses her shots well," Mueller said.
Considered one of the best athletes on the team by Mueller, Christin Hunt will be looked to this season as a versatile player for the Flames. In 31 games, the sophomore totaled 31 kills and 11 blocks.
"Christin can play in numerous positions and she is big and physical and is a great presence on the court, so we really need to get her on the floor."
OUTSIDE HITTERS
UIC has extreme depth at this position with senior Maura McCarthy and junior Ashley Martin back for 2006, along with four newcomers who will be challenging for time on the floor.
A junior transfer last season, McCarthy showed UIC that her talent was a force to be reckoned with. The senior led the team with 318 digs and ranked third with 386 kills and 51 total blocks.
"McCarthy is a strong attacker on the outside with a new outlook on the position after the spring," said Mueller. "She has more shots, is very competitive and knows what it takes to remain on the floor."
Martin tallied 155 kills and 39 blocks last year. The junior is a strong jumper, produces tough shots and according to Mueller, is extremely coachable.
"Ashley is constantly pushing the players around her to be better," Mueller said. "That is what I appreciate most about Ashley."
New additions Amanda Kenny and Casie Sullivan are predicted to make an immediate impact this season. Kenny brings two years of experience from the University of Dayton and will be the sole player on the court with post season experience.
"Kenny is the most experienced and versatile player that we are adding to the roster," Mueller explained. "She will make an enormous impact right out of the gates."
Sullivan hits at a very high point, which differs from other outside hitters for UIC. As a big jumper, she is compared to Martin by the coaching staff.
"Casie needs some training to refine the position, but she is capable playing right side or outside and even possibly a backup setter for the team," said Mueller.
Freshman Emily Shaffer comes to UIC with an effective defensive game. She is a consistent passer and can step up and make the big play.
Very similar to current Flames Nedeljkovic, freshman Katerina Hanackovabrings experience to the team after playing internationally. With concrete ball control and punishing velocity, her level of play may put her on the floor immediately for the Flames.
SETTERS
Katie Kozak has proven to be a physical leader in her career at UIC. With each passing season, the senior continues to make a mark, especially in the records book. After totaling 1,467 assists last season, Kozak earned a third-place ranking as a single-season leader. With 3,164 career assists, the setter now owns fourth-place in the UIC records book.
"Katie's teammates look to her when the team begins to struggle," said Mueller. "She is an all around leader and the coaching staff's intent is to have her run the entire offense."
Pushed by Kozak, Nicole Dolgner produced a successful spring session and made changes to her technique, which is expected to help her fight for a starting role.
"Nicole has natural ability and is a high-quality athlete," Mueller explained. "If Nicole is not a starting setter, she will be helping out in the defensive specialist position."
DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST/LIBERO
The Flames return two regulars who both saw time at libero last season.
Senior Julie Popp enters the year injury-free for the first time since her freshman year in 2002. Although Popp didn't play early in the season after recovering from leg surgery, she still ended the 2005 campaign ranking fourth on the squad with 257 digs and tallied 21 service aces.
"Julie Popp is one of the most instinctive liberos in the league," said Mueller. "She has great court sense, knows the game and knows how to motivate her teammates. Her sheer presence on the court motivates people around her because of her past history with injuries. She is a very determined young lady."
After gaining confidence over the spring session, junior Liz Hrebic will be challenging Popp for a starting position. Hrebic ranked fifth on the team with 244 kills and fourth in service aces (26) in 2005.
"Liz got over some hurdles defensively in the spring," said Mueller. "She is a great passer and is an energetic player that drives those around her."
THE SCHEDULE
Hosting two tournaments in 2006, UIC's season gets underway on August 25 when the Flames host the Chicagoland Classic in a two-day event including opponents DePaul, Loyola and Valparaiso at the Flames Athletic Center. UIC's first challenge of the season comes in a showdown versus future Horizon League member Valparaiso at 7 pm on Friday, August 25.
UIC then welcomes Western Michigan, Western Illinois and North Texas for the UIC Invitational, which will take place on Sept. 15-16.
"Our 2006 schedule is very challenging," said Mueller. "It was designed to give us great competition from beginning to end. Our non-conference schedule is very tough, but will prepare us for the league."
Following UIC's tournament, the Flames travel to Eastern Illinois before stepping into Horizon League play in a home match-up at on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. against Butler.
With the starting lineup back for the Flames in 2006 and five solid additions, UIC is ready to reach its ultimate goal...Horizon League Regular-Season Champions.
Story provided by UIC Office of Sports Information
