2001 Jennies Volleyball Preview

When it comes to MIAA volleyball titles, the Central Missouri State Jennies tend to be on the greedy side. After winning 18 straight league titles outright, the Jennies had to share last year's title with Truman State. That makes coach Peggy Martin's squad even more determined to re-claim sole possession of the MIAA trophy in 2001.

Martin, whose 841 career wins are the most in NCAA Division II, enters her 26^th season with the Jennies and, as usual, she has a solid nucleus of returning players for her 2001 squad.

Senior setter Robyn Griffin, the Jennies' lone first-team All-MIAA selection last year, returns for her third season as a starter. Janell Mohme, a second-team All-MIAA choice last year after leading the league in blocks (189), is the Jennies' only other senior. Sophomore Trudy Carter, last year's MIAA freshman of the year and a second-team All-MIAA selection, was the Jennies' top offensive player last year, leading the team with 417 kills to go with a .274 hitting percentage. Junior Jacque Barr, also a second-team All-MIAA choice, became a key back row player last season and figures to have an even more prominent role this season. Junior Anna Patterson performed well in a starting role last year and should be a key performer with a year of full-time experience behind her.

Two reserves from a year ago - sophomores Natalie Loerch and Susie Choinka - should make significant contributions this season after gaining valuable experience last season. Also expected to provide depth this season, after being redshirted as true freshmen, are Kristen Fricke and Kay Breeze.

Martin's large recruiting class contains a Division I transfer and eight freshmen, several of whom should see playing time this season. Carrie Potthast, a transfer from Division I Murray State (Ky.), will replace four-year starter Rhea Griffin in the Jennies' lineup. As a true freshman at Murray State last year, Potthast led the team in kills (335) and was second in digs (269). From her freshman class, Martin feels Kristin Perrin and Megan Stewart from Warrensburg High School, April Decker from Owensville High School, Michelle Uchtman from Marshfield High School, Jennifer Flynn from Festus High School and Elyse Mohme (Janell's sister) from Waterloo Gibault (Ill.) High School all could make important contributions this season.

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