v' Football vs. Notre Dame Tomorrow, 3:30 p.m. Michigan Stadium The Michigan Daily Spikers sizzling as Rice tourney begins SPORTS Friday, September 13, 1991 Volleyball at Rice-Baden Showcase Tournament Today and Tomorrow Houston Page 10 Blue kickers boot BGSU, lose Loper by Ryan Herrington Daily Sports Writer by Adam Miller Daily Sports Writer The Michigan volleyball team is off to its best start in*five years, and hopes to keep its hot streak going this weekend. The Wolverines (3-1) travel to Houston for three matches in two days at the Rice-Baden Show- case Tournament against DePaul, Utah, and Rice. "We're expecting very good competition at the tournament," coach Peggy Bradley-Doppes said. Compared to last year, this Michigan squad is a completely dif- ferent team. A year ago, the Wolver- ines were plagued with injuries, most notably to middle blocker Michelle Horrigan and outside hit-' ter Hayley Lorenzen. According to Bradley-Doppes, this year's team is healthy and well- rested. Michigan, which leads the Big Ten with a .276 hitting effi- ciency, swept South Florida, Toledo, and Central Florida, falling only to Florida, traditionally the top team in the Southeastern Conference. Paving the way for the Wolver- ines' newfound success has been set- ter Tarnisha Thompson, who was re- cently elected team captain. The ju- nior from Detroit Henry Ford has averaged 5.2 assists per game, with 57 total in the first four matches. "Tarnisha has shown excellent leadership on and off the court," Bradley-Doppes said. Michigan has also benefitted from a quickly-maturing group of first-year players. Aimee Smith, from Escondido, Calif., has played every point at middle-blocker and already has 14 kills. Julie Scherer, another California native, has been a strong backup to Thompson at set- ter. Bradley-Doppes said Robyn Reed and LaShawnda Crowe have been key contributors as well. The Wolverines will need more strong performances like these to keep their season on the right track. Michigan will be tested immedi- ately when it opens against DePaul (4-2) tonight. The Blue Demons are led by senior outside hitter Dawn Gura, owner of DePaul's all-time kill record at 1,381. "DePaul is somewhat of a sur- prise," Bradley-Doppes said. "They're a gutsy team." Saturday morning, the Wolver- ines will square off with Utah (4- 4). The Utes return seven players from last year's team, and are led by second-year coach Beth Launiere. Michigan will conclude the tournament Saturday night with a match against Rice (5-3). The Owls, playing in their second straight home tournament, should give the Wolverines all they can handle. "They have big outside hitters, but not much in the middle. We've been practicing against Rice's style of play all week," Bradley-Doppes said. The darkened skies were not the only thing that loomed ominous over the heads of the Michigan woman's soccer team yesterday at Mitchell Field. While the Wolver- ines defeated Bowling Green, 7-2, in their home opener, the specter of losing their leading scorer crept into Michigan's horizon. Center forward Shannon Loper was driving toward the goal mid- way through the second half when a Falcon defender attempted to steal the ball. In the ensuing collision, Loper was left on the ground, hold- ing her left ankle in pain while play halted. Loper was carried off the field and taken to the University hospital for x-rays. Prior to her collision, Loper was the catalyst of the Michigan of- fense, scoring twice and keeping pressure on Bowling Green's de- fense. "I have no idea of the extent of the injury," head coach Phil Joyaux said. "We hope its not serious be- cause we can't afford to miss her. She is playing so well." Michigan improved its record to 6-0, which includes victories over three varsity teams. After scoring two goals in the first two minutes, one on a miskick by a Bowling Green fullback, the Wolverines underes- timated the Falcons' (1-1) resolve and stopped attacking. Quickly, Bowling Green coun- tered with two goals and ied Michigan in check with its four-per- son defense. Michigan continued to shoot, but its shots were blockediby a congested backfield. The Wolver- ines had 17 shots on goal in the first half, but could not tally any mnfre scores after the initial two. "We were overconfident in thi first half," Joyaux said. "At h f time we realized it was a questn of doing the bare minimum or py- ing a little soccer. It was also'a question of pride." The Wolverines opened the se5- ond half with more intensity. Michigan controlled the ball in tie Bowling Green end of the fieldfor the entire second half. The Falcons had only one shot on goal in the 45 minutes to Michigan's 23.w,, "We decided we really wanted to win," forward Heather Marshall said. "We got to the ball beter. Phil's halftime comments got us focused." Marshall helped lead the second half onslaught of the Wolveri , scoring two goals to add to her re in the first half. "We can compete with anyonr the Midwest," Joyaux said. 'We might lose, but no one will blow's out. Chris White (left) and Fiona Davidson block at the net in a match last season. The Wolverines head next for a tournament at Rice University. NFL owners defer World League's suspension .._.. GRAPEVINE, Texas (AP) - The NFL deferred until its October ownership meeting a decision on the continued operation of the World League of American Football. Dan Rooney, chairman of the new league's board of directors, said "there was overwhelming support by the leagues' shareholders to go forward." Rooney said there was strong sentiment against suspending play until 1993, but a decision wouldn't be made until the Oct. 23-24 NFL meetings in Dallas. "I'm pleased with the way it came out," Rooney said. "We feel people feel it's a good league and we are moving forward." There had been published reports that the NFL-sponsored spring league would be suspended in 1992 because it lost an estimated $15 million in its first full season with 'European and American teams. Los Angeles Raiders owner Al Davis said, "The consensus was by far to go ahead with the league. It wasn't close at all for suspension. There is no question the league has great viability. And, as you know, I'm a strong believer in a new league." Davis did say the new league could use some changes. He sug- gested that it do away with some of -- , (r m L'' / *d1Y a . . , J : . . " its gimmickry, like the helmet i minicams. -l "It's the product on the field that makes for great football," he..All you need :>do i. : said. "We need a forum for young d. ff players to grow and develop." Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry S.> .:>r::.:: Jones said, "I support the league be- cause I think it has a great future." W:n a $10 gift >ertif ate t;.0 Rooney, president of the Pitts- burgh Steelers, said there was some ZC ... :.::.:iK concern expressed yesterday about ::vs4 $t. finances. "There was some talk about the economy and television," he said. " B u t m o st o f the talk w as ab o u t o u r * **g-rang e plans ." long-range plans." ~ a ~eS.v.Mn0t The WLAF has one year left on .:. ........h *-.:. its contract with ABC television. The ratings during the inaugural12tl . . . season this spring were much lower:r:::::::;:::::":S:e0........ than ABC had expected. : Rooney said, "ABC's been very MRvM supportive." :::::.:: Asked if the WLAF had been ' ;.iV:+ given a reprieve, Rooney said, "I can .............t...... tell you I'm pleased and this is a ~ ~ v+M i very positive sign for the league. r Already, the league has had two presidents, Tex Schramm, who re- signed long before the WLAF began play, and Mike Lynn, who left the position following the inaugural *.* season. Li &a, - .* 0 -*. . Custom-er. That's you. And whether you're buying custom . sportswear for yourself or your whole family, you'll get the kind of service you deserve at - " University Spirit. We provide the highest quality custom and imprinted garments anywhere. - i - 4 "4 "S " " It's easy to see why the people who ffer more services than anyone . else got that way. . University Spirit. here the customer comes first. And to emphasize this point . we're giving away a mountain bike. So while your shopping - for the best Michigan sportswear, onter to win vnurself a fra of,, i t oS mountain bike. ' s " " "4 a - Enter between Sept. 7 - Sept. 14, 1991. Starti STAR R ( A3 the 131 PEP Friday .ng at 6:451 Two doors doN ZRING: C Presents... th Annual zOR 7 SES" RA LLY Tthe 13th p.m. at 556 S. State wn from the Union oach Moeller he Michigan 5 5 5O " Resumes " Term Papers * Letters " Theses " Applications " Transcription * Envelopes " Laser printed T ; r"" W urawing will be held on Sept. 16. 1991. I .hI. .