wednesday, September 10.2003
the university daily kansar
sports
3B
Volleyball to open home schedule against Oral Roberts
Fresh off its victory in the Nike Invitational last weekend, the team looks to continue its winning streak to four games
By Mike Norris
mnorris@kansan.com
Kansas sportswriter
After an emotional victory, a team sometimes will come out flat in its next match. However, the Kansas volleyball team doesn't expect a let down tonight.
After winning the Nike Invitational last weekend, the Jayhawks prepare for their home opener against Oral Roberts University at 7 tonight in the Horesei Family Athletics Center.
Josi Lima, sophomore middle blocker, expects the team to be ready to play in front of the home crowd for the first time this season.
"I think it's going to be packed," she said. "They're a lot of fun."
The crowd should be a welcome asset for the Jayhawks who
have played all six of their matches on the road, or at a neutral site.
Oral Roberts (2-4), has struggled, but the 2002 Mid-Continent Conference champions were 22-11 last year, earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
"They are young, but very talented," he said. "I expect a competitive match."
Coach Ray Bechard recognized the record,but hadn't taken the team lightly by any means.
The Jayhawks (5-1) have already defeated one ranked team this year, and two who earned bids to the NCAA Tournament last year.
Lima said one of the reasons for the early success was preparation.
"I think we are a lot more prepared than last year," she said.
The voters in the USA
Today/AVCA Coaches' Poll think so also.
The poll has them listed 33rd in the country, receiving 26 votes for the Top 25.
Bechard said the ranking was nice, but it was how the team responds this weekend that mattered most.
The Jayhawks will take on Arkansas Razorbacks, North Carolina Tar Heels and Creighton Blue Jays this weekend in the Hampton Inn/Jayhawk Classic at Horesi.
It will be the third straight weekend the Jayhawks will play in an invitational tournament.
After the tournament the Jayhawks will have three days off before starting the Big 12 Conference season in Manhattan against Kansas State.
—Edited by Michael Owells
Members of the Kansas women's volleyball team conversed at the net last week during practice. The Jayhawks take on Oral Roberts University at 7 tonight in the Horejsi Family Athletics Center.
Women's tennis opens season at Missouri Invitational
By Rahul Sharma
correspondents@kansan.com
Kansan correspondent
After serving as an assistant coach for the Kansas women's tennis team the last six seasons, Amy Hall is truly eager to get the season started.
Coming off a disappointing 7-12 record and finishing ninth in the Big 12 Conference last season, Hall said she was focused on getting the most out of her players.
"We want to make a statement and I have no doubt that we will." Hall said.
bock.
The upperclassmen should ensure that statement is heard.
Leading this year's team are highly touted returning seniors Emily Haylock, Courtney Steinbock and Kristen Stein-
"Courtney, Kristen and I have been a big part with the team. We understand leadership and enjoy having a good time," Haylock said.
Haylock enters the season with a career total of 61 victories in doubles competition, and feels fairly confident about the team.
"We are going to be a lot better this year," Haylock said. "With the coaching change, we're all getting worked harder."
Haylock, a native of Warrnambool, Australia, said she would never play to her opponents strategy.
"I'm going to play my game," Haylock said. "I won't play to someone else's advantage."
Lub bock,
Texas, are
returning for
their final year
of collegiate
competition.
Hall said
Courtney is
still an intricate part of
the team,
despite coping
with an injury.
Courtney Steinbock
"Courtney is out with the injury but she is very positive of the whole healing process. She manages to help us out on the practice courts and knows she can do battle," Hall said.
Sophomore standout Christine Skoda, a native of Edmonton, Alberta
Canada,
proved last
season that she
can play with
anyone in the
country.
Kristen Steinbock is receiving early billing as the team's doubles specialist this season.
Her 16 victories in singles competition left her second on the team behind former
Kansas player Paige Brown.
Kristen
Steinbock
"Hopefully, I have another great season," Skoda said. "I played a lot in tournaments over the summer and have kept up with it."
Skoda is a consistent basliner who loves to crush the ball, Hall said. In addition to her play-making ability, Skoda is one of the team's fittest players.
Luiza Loureiro, Brasilia,
Brazil, and Grisell Granandos,
Queretaro, Mexico, return for
their sophomore years, desiring
to build on last season.
Incoming freshman Brittany Brown will be an immediate impact player, Hall said.
Brown was a four-time Allstate selection as a high school tennis star in Evansville, Indiana.
She was also named Central Indiana Tennis Association player of the year in 2002 and was a state finalist in 2003.
2003. Hall also said she expected Ashley Fillberth, a freshman from Kansas City, Mo., would help this year's recruiting class, despite having only two years of high school tennis experience.
"The players know the expectations. It's time to get busy."
Amy Hall womens tennis coach
Hall said the key for a successful season was having an open line of communication among the players.
"The players know the expectations," she said. "It's time to get busy."
The Jayhawks get busy in Missouri this weekend.
The team will travel to Columbia on Friday for the Missouri Invitational to start the fall season.
Edited by Jonathan Reeder