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Last Updated: Oct 16th, 2008 - 13:33:17 |
Metro volleyball head coach Debbie Hendricks has bet on freshman and transfers to help the 2008 Roadrunners to a winning season. The newcomers stepped up to the challenge in the Hawaiian Style Classic in Hilo on Aug. 28-30, spurring Metro to a second-place finish.
"It was the perfect blend of winnable matches and a real good challenging match with Hawaii-Hilo," Hendricks said.
The 'Runners left Hawaii with two wins and one loss to hosts Hawaii-Hilo to start the regular season, but more importantly Metro showcased the new offensive talent on the 2008 squad.
In the opening game it was freshman outside hitter Bri Morley who led the attack with 17 kills in the Roadrunners' 3-0 sweep of the University of Charleston on Aug. 29.
"She doesn't play like a freshman," Hendricks said of Morley. "Offensively Bri is able to terminate well on the outside."
In the second matchup, 29-year-old middle blocker Anna Mapes, a transfer from the University of Mississippi, displayed her attacking prowess with 14 kills against hosts Hilo University. The match went five games, but Metro was unable to finish off their opponents, taking their first loss of the year.
"Hilo was by far the best team in the tournament," Hendricks said of the nationally ranked opponent. "We had a chance to win in the fourth game but couldn't do it."
Morley executed better in the final game, leading the Roadrunners with 14 kills as they bounced back from a loss in the first game of the series to take the next three and finish off St. Martins in order to finish as the No. 2 team in the tournament.
"She did in Hawaii exactly what we thought she'd be capable of doing," Hendricks said.
Fellow freshman outside hitter Emily Greenhalgh did her part in both the wins, jump starting runs during close games in each of the series, including 13 kills and an attack percentage surpassing .400 in the final matchup.
If the Metro offense showed a fresh plan of attack, the defense relied on veteran defensive specialists Amy Watanabe and Sarah Vallejos.
In the loss to Hawaii-Hilo alone, junior libero Watanabe recorded nine digs, as well as 24 assists.
The sophomore libero Vallejos was versatile as well, with strong service during both wins, in addition to her defensive duties.
But it was the newcomers and the increased depth of the Metro volleyball team that broke through in Hawaii.
"We have as much depth as I thought we did," Hendricks said. "We were able to win a match playing every single person on our team."
The Roadrunners next host the Colorado Premier Challenge, starting with matchups against regional foe Augustana and former Division II champs Grand Valley State.
"It will be nice to be at home," Hendricks said. "But we know we've got our hands full."
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