2000 Jennies Volleyball Preview

On paper at least, Central Missouri State University volleyball opponents may see a glimmer of hope that the Jennies' long dominance might be vulnerable this season.

For one thing, the Jennies' string of consecutive Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association championships stands at 18 and the law of averages says that string has to end sometime. For another, the Jennies' 2000 roster does not contain an All-America caliber player, such as last year's first-teamer and MIAA Most Valuable Player Daria McConnell, like it usually does.

However, Jennies' opponents would be advised to not start licking their chops just yet. The cupboard is far from bare. While McConnell was an outstanding player, she was the only senior on last year's squad that went 27-8 and 15-1 in the MIAA.

Even more important, perhaps, is the fact that Peggy Martin is still coaching the Jennies. The winningest coach in NCAA Division II history, Martin is in her 25th season as the Jennies' head coach after becoming the first Division II coach to reach the 800-victory plateau last season. Intangibles, like tradition and pride, can't be overlooked either when a program has been as successful for as long as Martin's has.

Three seniors, all of them four-year players, will lead this year's squad and none wants to be on the first Jennies' team in history to not win an MIAA title. Hitters Mandy Feldmann and Rhea Griffin and defensive specialist Katie Grusing will be expected to shoulder much of the leadership role this season. Griffin has been a three-year starter and was a second-team all-MIAA selection last year. Feldmann has been a starter much of her career as well.

Juniors Robyn Griffin, Rhea's sister, and Janell Mohme also will be counted on to provide some leadership. Robyn, the Jennies' setter, was first-team all-MIAA and an all-region selection last season, while Mohme led the team in blocks and received honorable mention all-MIAA recognition.

Sophomores Anna Patterson and Jacque Barr, along with red-shirt freshmen Susie Choinka, Kelley Hess and Natalie Loerch can expect to see increased playing time this season.

Martin has brought in a talented quartet of freshmen, all of whom likely will see court time this season. Trudy Carter (Santa Fe Trail H.S., Overbrook, Kan.) and Kristen Fricke (Lee's Summit, Mo., H.S.), both at 6' 2", will be the Jennies' tallest players. Kay Breeze comes from the longtime successful program of perennial state contender Festus (Mo.) High School, while Jennifer Enke is a product of Hazelwood East in suburban St. Louis, Mo. Jessica Lakenan also joins the Jennies out of St. Vincent High School in Perryville, Mo., and will likely sit out the campaign as a red-shirt.