August 31, 1998

This season can't start soon enough for Tiger head coach Disa Johnson. Johnson has been waiting for a season like this the last four years. For the first time since taking over the reigns, Johnson has depth, experience and talent.

Johnson's first recruiting class will provide the senior leadership this season, something that has been lacking the last several years. Last season she put all the pieces together to compete in the nationally prominent Big 12 conference and produced the best season since 1992. This season is expected to be one of the most exciting and most successful.

" This is the deepest a MU team has ever been," said Coach Johnson. "The level of talent of our freshman class continues to grow, giving us a much needed flexibility.

"With the growth in the setting position we will be able to execute a faster offense initiated by a higher level of ball control and defense. My team is in excellent shape which will be very valuable to us down the stretch."

The Tigers return all six starters from last season. Three of the six starters are seniors and have started all three years at Missouri.

"My first recruiting class are now senior and leaders," Johnson said. "It is uncommon for a class to have received that much playing time over the course of three years. This should be an advantage for us."

All three sophomores return after starting last season. Heather Gerber returns for the Tigers in great shape and will run the offense. An offense that has a lot of potential.

"I am very excited about our offense this season," said Johnson. "I now have the personnel that will compliment the level of our setter. It will be a faster, flashier offensive attack. Oour success here will all depend on our level of ball control and discipline to execute the system."

Although the team will be rely on the returning starters, Johnson has a stable full of talented reserves to call on. This is the deepest team that Johnson has ever had at Missouri. Senior Barb Sheahan will be pushing to start at the right side since sophomore Jen Gerlach will move back to the middle. Freshman Naaron Branson will also push to start on the right side.

OUTSIDE HITTERS

This season the Tigers will have experience and depth at the outside hitting position. Senior Jodi Maune returns as one of Missouri's best offensive weapons. Maune has led the Tigers in kills the last three seasons and has improved her game every year. She will be heavily relied upon to provide firepower for the Tiger offense her final season as well.

"Jodi has worked herself into the role of go-to player," said Coach Johnson. " Jodi has a chance to receive Big 12 accolades this season. She has started all three years for us and should provide a tremendous amount of leadership for the team."

Senior Chandra Hopkins will add to the experience for the Tigers. Hopkins led the team in digs the last two seasons. She was co-captain last season and will be asked to carry most of the passing load.

"We will count on Chandra for her ballhandling and passing skills," said Johnson. "Like Jodi, Chandra has started all three years for us. She has gained valuable experience by setting and it has made her a better hitter. This has elevated her game to a new level."

Freshmen Lisa Morris and Jillian Imrie will figure into MU's offensive mix.

"I am anxious for the true depth at this position," said Johnson. "In the past we have just had to rely on three outside hitters but now we will be four to five strong. Our two freshmen will really challenge for playing time."

SETTER

Coach Disa Johnson is well aware of the importance of this position. Until last season, Johnson had never had a true setter at Missouri. When she signed Fab 50 recruit Heather Gerber, expectations started to rise. Gerber lived up to her expectations by making marks in the Missouri record book and giving the Tigers their best season in five years.

Gerber tallied 1193 assists last season and averaged 10.3 per game. She managed this as a true freshman in one of the nation's toughest conferences.

"Heather had an outstanding freshman year," said Johnson. "She now has one year of Big 12 experience behind her in addition to a very productive spring. This is important in her development.

"She worked very hard this spring to bring her game to the next level. She will be very solid in her performance, particularly since our ballhandling has improved. Heather is on her way to becoming one of the best setters in the conference. she has a great knack for the setting position."

MIDDLE BLOCKER

The middle holds the most questions for the Tigers. MU returns senior Renee Rosinski and sophomore Annette Luyten from last year. Rosinski has started all three years for the Tigers providing much needed stability to this position. She led the Tigers in blocking last season with 102 blocks.

"Renee will lead the way with her vast amount of experience," Johnson said. "She has grown significantly in her mental game allowing her to be much more of a threat at the net. Now we can rely on her as a go-to player."

Sophomore Annette Luyten was a big surprise for the Tigers last season in the middle. Luyten had the best hitting efficiency on the team, hitting at a .279 clip. She ranked second on the team in blocks with 70 on the season.

"Annette is deceptively very quick moving laterally, allowing her to block or get her hands on a lot of balls" said Johnson. "Annette's biggest and most important attribute is her competitive attitude. She is a true winner, producing a consistent game."

Also challenging for a spot in the middle will be sophomore Jen Gerlach and freshman Krista Johnson. Gerlach saw a significant amount of playing time last season, at tge rught side psoition, and should see more action again this season. Johnson is one of the best athletes in this year's recruiting class and is expected to see some playing time as well.

"There is quite a bit of inexperience here," said Johnson. "But a very large amount of talent waiting to be unleashed."