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Show A Year of Change 1 . ' Ik. IS " ) 4 x l -j w "V 1 Volleyball ' r 4 Despite having inexpereienced and injured players, the Weber State College women's volleyball team finished approximately where Coach Cindy Smoker had anticipated. "This was unquestionably a rebuilding year so we finished about where 1 expected, "said Smoker. "I can't say I am happy because I hate to lose, but we did as well as we could have, considering the circumstances," she added. The Lady Cats usually started four freshmen, two sophmores and one junior. This combination provided little experience but a lot of enthusiasm. Injuries to Kim Benesh and Kathy Nickel also put a damper on the Lady Cats' hopes. "We were showered with injury upon injury," remarked Smoker about her team's misfortunes. A tough schedule that included national powers like Pepperdine, Brigham Young University and the University of Minnesota contributed to the Lady Cats' woes. In spite of all of their problems, the team was able to finish the season with a record of 12-23. Sophomore outside hitter Benesh led the team in total kills and total aces while junior middle blocker Mandy Henneberger led in hitting percentage and blocks. Setter Kristie Norris led the team in assists and in digs. Norris was named the team's most valuable player on Monday. Other great individual performances were achieved by Teri Okelberry who played well to help the team. "Teri stepped in and played great defense as well as good offense for us when Nickels and Benesh got injured," said Smoker. Carol Nunn and Corrie Vigil were both returnees that had strong performances to help the Lady Cats. September Bauer, Amy Ziegler, Lora Heissinger and Stacy Mitchell were all outstanding freshmen that show a lot of promise. Marena Potts, a very capable sophomore, rounds out the team's roster. The 1986 season saw two individual records set and one team record re-written. Benesh set a new record of most kills in a single match with 31 kills against Eastern Washington University. Norris also set a record for the Lady Cats by recording 70 assists in a single match against Nothern Arizona. The team set a record for most kills in a single match with 92 against Northern Arizona University. The outlook for next year's team looks to be exceptional. The team will be able to add experience to their repertoire and will look to capture the Mountain West Athletic Conference crown. Blaine Bringhurst J fc--"- 4I Literally, a whole new team, the WSC volleyball women experienced setbacks in a rebuilding year. From bottom right and volleying clockwise: Amy Ziegler repels a kill as the Lady Cats set up the offense; Stacy Mitchell sets a shot for teammate Kathy Nickel; Kim Benesh rockets a kill past an opponent; Kristie Norris was named the team's MVP. 5 , - 4. j 5 f . t 11 SignOff Tuesday, June 2, 1987 3D St V |