March 21, 2001
Spring Update #2
Columbia, Mo.--The University of Missouri volleyball team is in the midst of its third week of spring practices as they prepare for the 2001 season. According to head coach Susan Kreklow, Mizzou is focusing on defensive improvement early during the spring and the progress has been encouraging.
"We are pleased with the progress the squad is making so far," Kreklow said. "We are focusing on improving our defensive scheme both individually and as a team and the kids are working very hard. Ball control and our transition game are two keys to improving upon our success in the upcoming season."
One of the keys to the Tigers defensive improvement lies in their blocking. Junior middle blocker Christi Myers played a key role in last seasons blocking scheme and had a breakout season leading the team in hitting percentage (.363), blocks (138), and blocks solos (40). Associate head coach Wayne Kreklow said that Myers is having a good spring campaign and is really focused on improving her already solid game.
"Christi has a tremendous amount of talent," Kreklow said. "She is working hard and I think that the group as a whole has come in very focused."
The Tigers transition game and quick offensive tempo they established in 2000 ran directly through last years senior setter, Heather Gerber. With the departure of Gerber, sophomore Chrissy Elder will be looked to as a catalyst for the Tiger offense. Elder continues to improve as the spring progresses and can provide instant offense for the Tigers with great jumping ability and a good swing at the setter position."
"Chrissy is learning and improving every day," Susan Kreklow said. "She needs to continue to work hard and proceed through the rest of the spring with the good attitude and focus she has brought to the table."
Mizzou has a very busy spring ahead of them as they have two weeks of practice left before they travel to Southwest Missouri State for a tournament on April 7, and head to the University of Illinois for another tournament on April 21.
Besides their midwestern trips this spring, the Tigers also have a trip to the east...very far to the east. The Tigers will travel to China May 21-June 4. As the Tigers prepare for their spring schedule, they will also be planning for their trip. Assistant Coaches Deng Yang and Chen Feng have former National Team teammates that now coach club teams in China with one club located in Shanghai and the other in Nanjing. Mizzou will spend time training and competing with each club team.
"The team has an excellent opportunity to get a first hand experience in what is arguably one of the hotbeds of international volleyball and one on the worlds most interesting cultures." Wayne Kreklow said. "We are definitely fortunate to have this opportunity and I think it signals a very big commitment to women's volleyball by the University of Missouri."
Log onto www.mutigers.com next Wednesday for continued updates on the Tiger Spring practices.