by Josh Berhow
Issue date: 8/30/07
Section: Womens Sports
The Minnesota State Volleyball team is looking to add to their flawless 4-0 start this weekend as they head to Kansas City, Mo. The Mavs won all four of their games last weekend and were never really challenged. The competition this weekend should give them a better idea of what they need to work on.
The Mavericks need a big weekend as they will play two games Friday and Saturday. Friday the Mavs play matches against Wayne State and Washburn, and follow with UC-Colorado Springs and Nebraska-Kearney Saturday. Washburn is 5-0 on the year and has beat teams convincingly just like the Mavericks have setting up for an interesting Friday afternoon match. All four teams will be a good early season test for the squad.
Just like every coach, Dennis Amundson, wasn't ready to say his teams perfect after a good start. "We need to block, defend, and pass better. We need to serve a little better too," Amundson said.
The Mavericks might get some help with girls returning from injuries. Allison Kunath has been able to walk this week, while Ally Kwikkel will still need some further tests. Both were injured last weekend in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Senior middle hitter Megan Stroud, who was injured before the Florida trip, will most likely be back this weekend giving the team an additional boost.
With the season still fresh the teams are starting to get into their routine and preparing to play other opponents.
"We are always focusing on getting better," said Amundson.
Soon we'll get a good idea of exactly what this team is capable of. They might be getting a few players back from injuries for the weekend and they've had a successful start of the season to build on. New players are filling into their positions and everyone is getting comfortable with the players around them.
"We just need to work on things we struggled with last week and fight through adversity," said senior outside hitter Dana Ostertag. "Our team is fitting well together on the court and you know everyone around you is trying just as hard as you are."
The team has also got a few surprises early in the year. The original plan was to bring freshman Amanda Beekman along slowly. Obviously, that's not what she had in mind. Beekman had 23 kills against Lynn University last weekend and 12 more kills against Dowling. She has been a solid player for the Mavs thus far.
The Mavericks play at noon and 4:30 p.m. Friday. They will finish up Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. They'll then spend next weekend in Duluth, Minn.
Josh Berhow is a Reporter staff writer
