THURSDAY,AUG.30,2001
SPORTS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN - 5A
Team to set tone in tournament
By Steve Laurenzo Kansan sportswriter
The Kansas women's volleyball team's performance this weekend at a tournament in Charlotte, N.C., could set the tone for the coming season.
The Jayhawks hope to dominate in nonconference play the same way they did in their 9-0 start last year.
"The field is not going to overwhelm us," coach Ray Bechard said at the team's annual media day yesterday at the Wagnon Student Athlete Center. "We'll see a range that allows us to play a lot of people. The tournament is a good fit for the composition of our team."
However, Bechard remained realistic.
"If we don't play well, we'll be
in trouble," he said.
Beachard's squad will use more ball control and defense this season. The team lost Nancy Bell, Amy Myatt and Danielle Geronym, who combined to produce 67 percent of the team's kills last year.
"We don't have to rely on stopping the ball at the net," Bechard said. "But if the net defense does a good job, it will let the back set up and help."
Senior setter Molly LaMere was excited for her team — the defense in particular.
"The defensive specialists have been working so hard," she said. "We are lucky enough to have three good defensive specialists."
Bechard believed the team could match, if not surpass, last year's record.
"We've gotten better each year," he said. "But that hasn't always showed up in the standings."
Freshman outside hitter Danielle McHenry was named Kansas Volleyball Player of the Year after her senior season at Shawnee Heights High School in Topeka.
"She's going to step right in," Bechard said. "She's been a winner at every level."
After the tournament, Kansas plays host to an improved Wichita State team Sept. 5 at the Horejsi Family Athletics Center. The Hampton Inn/Jayhawk Classic Tournament begins Sept. 7 with guests Montana, Georgia Southern and University of Portland.
Contact Laurenzo at 864-4810.
KU RUGBY Rugby club to have barbecue tonight
The University of Kansas Rugby Club invites all students interested in playing rugby to attend a recruitment bacreuse. The barbecue will be at 8:30 p.m. at Johnny's Tavern, 401 N. 2nd St.
NFL NFL referees sidelined after talks break down
NEW YORK — The NFL is about to learn what happens when its oft-criticized officials are not on the field.
With the breakdown of talks in Dallas between the league and the NFL Referees Association, replacement officials will work exhibition games, the first
The lockout will begin tonight, when six exhibition games are scheduled.
labor stoppage among officials in NFL history.
The contract expired last March and the two sides have been negotiating since last spring.
Most of the replacements will be from NFL Europe or the Arena League.
League supervisory officials all former field officials, also will be on hand.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — All-Pro cornerback Samari Rolle left the Tennessee Titans because of a contract dispute and flew to Denver to meet with his agent.
All-Pro ditches Titans after contract dispute
Deliver to meet with his agents He did not inform the Titans and failed to attend a team meeting.
The Titans announced that Rolle was being fined $5,000 — the most he can be finned — for each missed practice.
NBA Jamison signs six-year contract extension
OAKLAND, Calif. — Antawn Jamison, the league's ninth-leading scorer last season, agreed to a six-year contract extension with the Golden State Warriors.
The deal's exact value won't be fixed until next season's salary cap is determined, but the contract will be worth more than $86 million.
Jamison averaged 24.9 points and 8.7 rebounds last season. He was second in the league with 800 field goals.
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