4B SPORTS THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2008 VOLLEYBALL T FF It's Utah Valley,not Ducks,who look mighty Despite playing in the Jayhawk Invitational this weekend, team focuses on today BY JOSH BOWE jbowe@kansan.com The Jayhawk volleyball team will play its toughest match of the season so far Friday night against the No. 13 Oregon Ducks at the Jayhawk Invitational — at least on paper. But coach Ray Bechard has only one team on his mind — Utah Valley, which the team plays today at noon. "Utah Valley is the only thing we're concerned with right now," Bechard said. And with good reason. Even with Utah Valley started the year with two losses, the team posted an impressive 21-10 season in 2007, winning the Division I Independent Championship last year. It will be a tough way to open the season at home for the Jayhawks, who also will play 2-1 Central Florida to wrap things up Saturday afternoon. For the lajhawks, their main concern is to avoid the mistakes Uhart that plagued them against VCU in the season opener, and retain what went well against NC State, their lone victory this year. had any issues with effort, the execution always isn't as good as wed like it to be." Bechard said of the past week's practices. "I really enjoy coming to the gym with this group everyday." Bechard said if they could now just match that level of effort with the same level of execution, the Jayhawks could accomplish some great things this year, namely an NCAA tournament birth. But as with Bechard, the players' focus is the weekend at hand and finally being able to enjoy home-court advantage. "Very excited," senior Natalie Uhart said. "Being here in our gym will make us a little more comfortable." Uhart could notice the opening loss to VCU had a lot to do with a lot of young players having to step into the college game for the first time. While this has its benefits in the long run, there will always be some growing pains to start out with. To not only compete with that higher level of opponent but to win, Bechard had his team work on what Bechard called "voleyball IQ" plays, along with blocking, footwork and first-ball kill opportunities and other little things he hopes the team has fine-tuned this week. "We had a lot of young babies on the court, let's just hope that is out of our system now," Uhart said. "I want to see how the other girls will respond to the higher level of play." Although the inexperience was one reason the Jayhawks stumbled out of the gate against VCU, two of those inexperienced freshmen, Alyson Mayfield and Nicole Tate, made huge strides, with Mayfield leading the team in kills against VCU and Tate starting at setter and finishing with a total of 52 assists that weekend. Tate understands the value of what she learned that opening weekend, and hopes to use that to improve during the home opener. "The first match I was a little nervous about," Tate said. "There is always that pressure to perform from coaches and teammates to get better, but it's good." "I am really excited, it's going to be a fun, but tough weekend," Tate said. "First is Utah Valley, so hopefully we get on them." As with Uhart, Tate can't wait to get onto her home court and play at a high level. With three quality opponents on tap for the layawks in just two days, Bechard said there would be a lot of "very good volleyball" played this weekend. - Edited by Kelsey Hayes Strong run,fierce competitor wins game Alpha Chi Omega's running game dominates Delta Gamma defense in 21-0 flag football victory INTRAMURAL BY ELLIOT METZ editor@kansan.com In a first-week intramural flag football match-up, Alpha Chi Omega defeated Delta Gamma 21-0. Alpha Chi Omega dominated the game with a powerful running attack, led by quarterback Jane Barnard, Omaha junior. Barnard scored two touchdowns on the ground and threw for another. "We all just like to come out and have a good time. But if we can win that's even better", Barnard said. Alpha Chi Omega scored first before halftime thanks to a 30-yard scramble by Barnard. As the second half started, the Delta Gamma defense focused on not letting Barnard get away from them. The defense recorded four sacks in the half, with Ashley Frankian, Overland Park freshman, leading the charge with two. But somehow Barnard still managed to make her way into the end zone mid-way into the second half. Then, with about two minutes remaining, Alpha Chi Omega tacked on one more score when Barnard connected with Alicia Ring, Marysville freshman, for the game's only passing touchdown. at the two-point conversion, Alpha Chi Omega opted to go for the three-point conversion and got it, making the score 21-0. Having missed their two attempts The difference in this game might have been experience. Delta Gamma played mostly freshman while Alpha Chi Omega's players were mainly sophomores and juniors. But Delta Gamma captain Ariel Abrams, Mendota Heights, Minn., freshman, is not making any excuses. "We are all still working, and we have a really great attitude," she said. —Edited by Brieun Scott CROSS COUNTRY Take a glimpse into the lives of some of your favorite KU jocks Q&A Brock Ternes senior Kara Windisch freshman
seniormeet
Last movie you saw:At home it was "Jaws" but at the movies probably"The Dark Knight""The Dark Knight"
Currently listening to:Mars Volta, Explosions in the Sky,and some Pearl JamA lot of old rock like Def Leppard and Metallica
Other sports:I like playing baseball.I'm not successful though.I'm pretty good at tennis
What would be your dream vacation?One with lots of running.Some place in Europe.Going to Italy.
Sudoku or crossword:Neither.Crossword.
Pre-race rituals:Just staying positive and staying loose.Also tell myself how fun this is.Listening to my music and visualize.
Favorite NFL team:Carolina PanthersDon't have one.
Favorite KU tradition:The Rock Chalk Chant.I think it's THE tradition.Going to KU Basketball Games.
Favorite quote:Anything Kurt Vonnegut or George Carlin says.Can't think of one.
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