KANSAN.COM / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2010 / SPORTS
3B
VOLLEYBALL (CONTINUED FROM 1B)
that end of this season.
Kaiser, recovering from last year's injuries, had a slower start in 2010 but emerged later in the season as a major offensive force. She led the Jayhawks with better than 3.48 kills per set in the last six matches and finished the season-closing victory over Oklahoma with a team-best 14 kills.
2011
With the Jayhawks losing Garlington and Kaiser, junior
setter Nicole Tate said the two new freshmen, both outside hitters, might help fill out the team's offense.
"Hopefully, they can step up and help us out," Tate said.
Incoming freshman outside hitters Chelsea Albers and Sara McClinton — both Nebraska natives — will join the team in the 2011-2012 academic year.
Albers helped Papillon La Vista High School to two state titles and two district championships and
leads the state of Nebraska in kills, carrying a 4.6 kills per set average. McClinton took district titles in 2008 and 2010 with Millard North High School and was twice an all-state honorable mention.
But Tate pointed out that the defense, as well as the offense, was in for an annual shakeup.
"We're also going to need some help with the back row," she said.
One of the departing seniors is defensive specialist Melissa Manda. She is the program's all-time digs leader and was recognized by the
Howard Ting/KANSAN
Habilies Center
Howard Ting/KANSAN Right: The Jayhawks celebrate winning the second set during their game against Texas Tech on Saturday at the Horejsi Family Athletics Center. Jayhawks won 3-0.
Ryan Waggoner/KANSAN
Freshman setter Kara Wehrs hits the ball over the net during Kansas' game against Winthrop Friday. Wehrs recorded a career-high 50 assists in the Jayhawks three sets to one victory over Winthrop.
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"How quickly can they adapt to the speed of Big 12 volleyball?" Bechard said.
With Garlington gone, Mayfield will be the senior outside hitter and the team's top scorer of kills. She and Tate will have the most experience on the court when it comes to organizing next year's offense.
"We're hoping that the spring goes well," she said.
"It'll be a whole new role."
Mayfield said. As to how things
Bechard said that the team would also see several important players return next year. He counted three quality setters and two returning starters, and said freshman middle blocker Jessie Allen had made improvements. As to the incoming freshman, Bechard said it remained to be seen how quickly they would influence the team.
will work out, she said it was too soon to tell.
league as Defensive Player of the Week in early October.
In the meantime, Mayfield said,
the Jayhawks are holding weekly
practices and lifting weights four
times per week. The 2011-2012
season begins next August.
Edited by Anna Nordling