8A the university daily kansan
friday, November 7, 2003
sports
LIBERTY HALL CINEMA
LYRIC OPERA OF KANSAS CITY PRESENTS
L'ELISIR
D'AMORE
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BY GAETANO DONIZETTI
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Volleyball provides fans with drama
By Mike Norris
norris@kansan.com
Kansan sportwriter
Dramatic finishes have been a staple in the Jayhawks' season so far.
Eleven of their 24 matches have gone the full five games, including their last four
"Why does this always happen to us?" junior middle blocker Ashley Michaels asked in the Jayhawks' team huddle before game five against Missouri on Wednesday.
Kansas coach Ray Bechard said instant points that came from blocking were something the Jayhawks have lacked, which has contributed to a lot of five game matches.
But Michaels said the team had been working on blocking more than ever. It showed against Missouri, as Kansas had two blocks in the fifth game to propel their comeback from a 9-1 deficit.
Longhorn outside hitter Bethany Howden was named Big 12 Player of the Week on Monday, and Michaels
Z. Gordon Straus/Kansan
The team needs to continue to block well when it travels to Austin, Texas, tomorrow to play the Texas Longhorns.
knows how big a victory would be.
would be.
"If we can sweep them this season that would be great," she said. "It would put us in great standing for the tournament."
Even if the NCAA tournament selection committee doesn't think their record is good enough, they might want to consider how close all the Jayhawks matches have been.
Half of their 12 home matches have gone five games providing Jayhawk fans with lots of drama.
"I'm going to have to ask for some stress therapy or something." Bechard said.
The close matches started on Sept. 5th in the Nike Volleyball Invitational in Minneapolis, Minn., as Kansas defeated both Minnesota and Dayton in five games.
The next weekend Arkansas and North Carolina both defeated Kansas 3-2 in the Hampton Inn/Jayhawk Classic.
Since then Kansas has lost to ranked rivals Missouri on Oct. 1 and K-State on Sept. 17 in other five game matches. But the 'Hawks defeated tomorrow's opponent, Texas, in five games Oct. 22 in
Libero Jill Dorsey watched teammate middle blocker Josi Lima dig for a ball dur ing Kansas' victory over Missouri Wednesday. The Jayhawks will travel to Austin, Texas, to play the Longhorns at 7 tomorrow night. VOLLEYBALL
No one on the team can really explain why there have been so many of these matches. But junior libero Jill Dorsey said the team would never give up, which could have something to do with playing so many long matches.
"We never stop until it hits 15; 'till they kick us off the court," she said.
■ Kansas trails the all-time series with Texas 3-15, but has won the last two.
If Kansas defeats Texas, it will be the team's first sweep of the Longhorns since the Big 12 was formed in 1996.
—Edited by Ashley Marriott
FOOTBALL: Nebraska brings Conference's top rushing attack
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7A
ence, following last week's 31-7 loss to Texas.
"We didn't perform well at all, so we really don't deserve to wear the jerseys," Nebraska middle linebacker Barrett Ruud said. "I think it was probably the right move to make."
In Kansas' favor is a rushing attack that has gone unnoticed until recently. Sophomore tailback Clark Green is on pace for the Jayhawks' first 1,000 yard season since 1996, and true freshman John Randle's slashing style has started to catch the eyes of other head coaches around the conference.
"I have had coaches in this conference who have picked up our tape and they have commented they can't believe he is a freshman," Mangino said.
"I have had coaches in this conference who have picked up our tape and they have commented they can't believe he is a freshman."
In the Jayhawks' last two defeats the defense has allowed a total of 942 yards. The Kansas secondary is likely to face less pressure tomorrow, though, against an offense that does most of its damage on the ground.
The Cornhuskers rank last in the Big 12 Conference and 116th in the nation in passing offense, but are atop the conference and fifth in the country in rushing. Given Nebraska's rushing success, the spotlight will be on Kansas' defensive line as well as
Mark Mangino Football coach
With the offense soaring again under Barmann's guidance, the biggest question mark for the Jayhawks is a defensive unit that has been porous in the recent weeks.
its trio of sophomore linebackers.
Linebacker Gabe Toomey is confident the defense's misfortunes can turn around this weekend, as the defense has been releasing its frustrations on the practice field.
Lyonel Anderson, Kansas tight end, took a tumble after being tackled by Texas A&M's Scott Stickane, upper left, and Bryant Singleton, lower left, in the first quarter Saturday. Anderson has averaged 15.8 yards per game receiving this year.
"It's been missed assignments and mental errors and that you have to correct in the film room," Toomey said.
The biggest motivator for Toomey and his teammates on the defense has been avoiding windsprints when the offense gets first downs in practice. Toomey said the offense didn't get too many first downs during this week's practices.
Kansas Football Notebook
Watkins a possibility — The defense could get a much-needed boost tomorrow from junior defensive tackle Travis Watkins. Watkins, who suffered a broken right foot at the end of training camp in August, has yet to see action this season. His original targeted return for the Baylor game had been pushed back and Watkins is a game-time decision this week.
"We may take him out in the warmup a bit to see how he moves and cuts," Mangino said. "If he feels comfortable with it and our doctors do, we'll play him."
Getting personal — For some members of the Kansas football team, an opportunity to defeat Nebraska would be perfect after watching the Cornhuskers dominate the college football scene for so many years. Those from the area, such as Gabe Toomey, are extremely eager for the opportunity to suit up against Nebraska.
KANSAS vs. NEBRASKA
Memorial Stadium 2:30 p.m.
TV—Fox Sports Net Sunflower Broadband channel 51
Radio—KJHK90.7
"I'm an Iowa boy." Toomey said. "They were the powerhouse in the Midwest for all those years when I was growing up. You've got to respect them. They've got a good ball club this year, and it'd be a good chance to take them at home."
- Edited by Andy Marso
everyday
You Can Stop Smoking
Lawrence Memorial Hospital wants to help you get rid of a NASTY habit. Join us for the Great American Smokeout and learn about various products and techniques that can help you quit. Dr.Charles Yockey will present motivational information in his free talk, "The Nitty Gritty of Smoking Cessation." Visit displays and learn about local resources at our free Stop Smoking Fair.
Thursday, November 20 Exhibits & Refreshments 6-7 p.m. Presentation 7-8 p.m.
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