Mix Of Old, New Hope To Combine
For GLIAC Volleyball Title

As the 2001 Warrior women’s volleyball team returns four letterwinners and add six newcomers, it has begun to create a mix that is ready to contend for the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title.

After an 11-17 record last season, Wayne State looks to continue the transition into the style of play expected by head coach Loretta Vogel: a style focused on defense.

“In order for us to be in contention for the GLIAC title, our defense has to be better,” Vogel said.

With strong leadership coming from the four returning players, the Warriors head into the 2001 season with confidence. “Having those returning players will make the day-to-day activities run smoothly,” Vogel explained. “When you’re new to our program, the way we view the game, the way we want the athletes to play a ball, and just the mental portion of the game is a big change from their previous team.”

For the upcoming season Vogel looks to sophomores Nicole Salisbury, a 5-10 outside hitter from Bedford, Mich., and Rebecca Hague, a 5-10 outside hitter/setter from Leamington, Ontario. Last year Salisbury led the team in kills (288), digs (357), and hitting percentage (.221). Hague was second on the squad in total assists (148) and third in service aces (21). Both will be co-captains in 2001.

Also returning for the Warriors this season are seniors Katie Brogan and Anavia McClure. Brogan is a 5-7 defensive specialist from Livonia, Mich. (Ladywood) who will be looked to for leadership on and off the court. McClure, a 5-10 middle hitter from Detroit, Mich. (Henry Ford), returns as one of the leading blockers for the team. McClure currently is eighth on the WSU all-time list with 220 block assists.

The four freshmen joining the Warriors this season are Darcie Amsdill, Julia Kirkwood, Ro Llanes, and Missy Mohrbach. Amsdill, a 5-11 middle hitter from Dexter, Mich., comes to WSU after earning First Team All-Region honors her last two high school seasons. Kirkwood is a 5-11 outside hitter from Bedford, Mich., who earned Third Team All-State, First Team All-League and All-Region honors her senior year. Also from Bedford is 6-1 middle hitter Missy Mohrbach. Mohrbach received Second Team All-State, First Team All-Region and All-League honors her final year at Bedford. Llanes played at Plymouth Salem High School and will provide support at defensive specialist.

Also looking to play in their first year as a Warrior are two transfer student-athletes: Jamie Banners and Kate Jere. Banners is a 6-2 middle hitter from Shelby Township, Mich., who played the last two seasons at Owens Community College, earning National Junior College Athletic Association All-America honors last year. Jere, a 5-7 setter from Monroe, Mich., also played at Owens last season.

With help from the incoming players as well as consistent play from the returning players, the Warriors look to the season with hopes of accomplishing their goal of competing for the GLIAC title.