Volleyball To Participate In Spartan Invitational This Weekend
Aug. 29, 2007
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
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A Glance At the 2007 Jayhawks…
The University of Kansas volleyball team opened its 2007 season last weekend at the Oregon Invitational in Eugene, Ore. The Jayhawks went 2-1 for second place dropping its final contest to host Oregon in the title match. KU picked up wins over Cal State-Bakersfield and Idaho State. Freshman Jenna Kaiser led the offense averaging 3.10 kills per game followed closely by fellow newcomer Flavia Lino with 2.90.
Bechard’s Milestone
Head coach Ray Bechard is just one victory shy of becoming the winningest coach in KU volleyball history. In his 10th season with the Jayhawks, Bechard has compiled a 150-128 record. Bechard is tied with former coach Frankie Albitz (1985-93) who also has 150 KU victories.
Scouting the Opponents…
An NCAA Tournament team in 2006, Michigan State returns eight letterwinners and welcomes five newcomers to its 2007 squad. The Spartans went 0-3 in its opening weekend in the USC Trojan Invitational falling 3-0 to No. 6 Southern California, 3-1 to Loyola Marymount and 3-0 versus St. John’s. Ashley Schatzle led MSU with 5.00 kills and 4.36 digs per game. Katie Johnson, a member of the 2007 Preseason All-Big Ten Team for the second consecutive year, was close behind with 4.64 kpg. Jenilee Rathje helped on defense with 1.00 bpg.
Florida State went an undefeated 2-0 in its own FSU Invitational last weekend. The Seminoles picked up wins over UNC Asheville and TCU to take the tournament crown for the second consecutive season. Transfer Mira Djuric averaged a team-high 5.43 kpg, 2.00 dpg and 1.00 ace per game, while Brianna Barry swung for an impressive .488 hitting percentage.
Missouri State, another 2006 NCAA Tournament team, went a perfect 4-0 in its opening weekend to take the crown in its own tournament. The Bears picked up sweeps over UMKC, Tulane and Delaware State before taking down Sacramento State in five. Sara Thomas started all four matches for Missouri State and posted a team-best 3.79 kpg. Katelyn Pansau ran an efficient offense setting up 13.21 apg while Nikki Vandepopulier held down the back row with 4.57 dpg.
Coming Up Next
The Jayhawks will return to Lawrence Sept. 4 for their home opener versus UMKC at the Horejsi Family Athletics Center. Match time is slated for 7 p.m. Fans may purchase tickets at the door prior to the match, by calling (800) 34-HAWKS or online at www.KUAthletics.com.
