68 - The Michigan Daily - SPORTSMonday - September 22, 1997
'M' volleyball conquers fears with wins in North Carolina
W
By Josh Kleinbaum
Daily Sports Wrter
The final score doesn't show it. You can't see
it in the box score, and there are no official
stats to track it.
But it can make a difference between a vic-
tory and a defeat.
It is confidence, and the Michigan volleyball
team has been struggling to find it of late.
So when Michigan coach Greg Giovanazzi
saw his team blow a 14-12 lead in the first
game of a best-of-five match against Duke on
Friday, he was a little worried.
"We had a good lead in that first game, and
we let them back into the match by dropping
the game," Giovanazzi said. "We were 5-4, and
the confidence was still up in the air. I was kind
of worried about how that would affect our
confidence."
But what Giovanazzi witnessed could be the
turning point of the young season for the
Wolverines. Instead of buckling under the
pressure, Michigan came back to sweep the
next three games, 15-13, 15-13, 15-7. The
Wolverines then defeated North Carolina on
Saturday in a five-game thriller, 14-16, 15-10,
15-6, 12-15, 15-5.
The key to the weekend could have been the
strong play of freshman Sarah Behnke. With
outside hitter Karen Chase sidelined with a
disc problem for the second straight weekend,
Giovanazzi looked to Behnke to step it up -
and she responded.
The freshman recorded a career high 18 kills
against Duke, then turned in another 15 against
the Tar Heels. But her most important contri-
bution was her consistent passing.
"Along with the obvious, which is attacking,
(Behnke) is just passing and digging the ball
really well," Giovanazzi said. "Our ball han-
dling gets a lot better with her in the lineup."
The improved passing gave middle blocker
Sarah Jackson a chance to show why she was a
preseason All-Big Ten selection. The senior
recorded a career-high 23 kills against North
Carolina and added 13 against Duke.
"Sarah is without question one of the pre-
miere quick attackers in the conference,"
Giovanazzi said. "The problem with that is,
when the passing goes down, it's really difficult
to get the ball to her. But we passed really well
because Sarah Behnke's in the lineup."
The solid passing made Jackson's solid play
seem natural.
"I felt good, but I didn't feel like I was hav-
ing the best match of my career," Jackson said.
"This weekend was the first time I played my
true position, because the coaches were trying
me out at a couple of different positions. I felt
really comfortable."
All of this adds up to one thing for the
Wolverines - increased confidence.
"This weekend was really good for helping
with the confidence," Giovanazzi said. "We
controlled the course of the weekend. When
we lost games, it wasn't because we got out-
played at any point, it was because we gave up
points where we shouldn't have."
Those M' volleyball Blues
Despite compiling a 7-4 record in their non-confer-
ence schedule, the Michigan spikers struggled with~
their confidence coming into this weekend. r
Here are some reasons why:
Matches lost in the fifth game: 2
r Star player lost to injury: Karen Chase
Matches lost in which Michigan was leading: 3.
Record on Fridays: 1-3
This weekend, the Wolverines regained their confi- w
dence while extending their winning streak to four.
A few factors:
First-ever victories over Duke and North Carolina
8 First four-match winning streak since November,
1996
U Freshman Sarah Behnke emerges as star
h
CAPU!LCO
From:
BIANCHI
For More Information Contact:
SR S S IBIANCHI-ROSSI TOURS at
800-875-4525
Web site: www biancii-rossi.com
b Go Loco;.i Aapl;
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Softball gets early
start on big season
0
m
By Mak Francescutti
For the Daily
4
:
U .. I
The most successful Michigan varsity
team might not be ice hockey, football or
men's basketball this year. It could very
well be the Michigan softball team.
Softball already? Team preparation
has been underway for weeks, and the
exhibition season began this weekend at
the Elk Rapids Collegiate tournament in
Traverse City. Michigan played well,
winning four out of five games.
Saturday, the Wolverines easily dis-
patched Western Michigan, 3-0, fol-
lowed by victories over Notre Dame, 2-
0, and Central Michigan, 5-2.
In Sunday's final round, the
Wolverines lost a heartbreaker to the
Chippewas in a nine-inning tie-breaker,
2-1. But the Wolverines recovered in
their last game - a 1-0 triumph over the
Broncos.
Leading the Wolverines were Melissa
Gentile, Sara Griffin and Pam Kosanke,
who all batted over .400 for the weekend.
Even though the team has lost four
seniors including star pitcher Kelly
Holmes, five freshmen hope to retain the
talent level.
Freshmen Rebecca Tune and Melissa
Taylor played well in their first taste of
college softball. Tune batted .363, play-
ing third base and shortstop, while
Taylor batted .272 but provided great
effort at second base.
"The freshmen played well," Michigan
assistant coach Kelly Kovach said.'
Returning for the Wolverines are
senior Kellyn Tate, junior Traci Conrad
and junior Tammy Mika, all of whom
were named to the All-Big Ten first team
last season.
Top pitcher Griffin, who broke her left
arm in a collision with Conrad last spring,
returns with last year's Big Ten freshinan
of the year, Gentile.
The Wolverines will try to improve on
last year's record-setting season..After a
school-best 56-win season - second in
the conference - Michigan won theE
Ten tournament and went on io'place
fifth in the Women's College World
Series.
Michigan has been very competitive
since 1985, finishing among the top-
three teams in the Big Ten 12 times.
But is the team confident about best-
ing their record-setting season?
Michigan coach Carol Hutchins laid the
Wolverines show promise.
"We have just as much talent as last
year," Hutchins said. "I think we can
just as good as last year or better
Hutchins is also upbeat about the
freshmen this season.
"They are very diverse," shr said.
"They can play both infield atid -out-
field."
With the ability of the new freshmen,
Michigan should have little p0rblem
making up for the loss of the seniors.
Throughout the fall and winter, t
team will continue to train for the coW
ing season
The Wolverines have talent and eonfi-
dence - two keys to becoming a cham-
pionship team. Could a College World
Series title be in the Wolverines'future?
The question will beginr to be
answered when the regular ' eason
begins in San Diego at the UnivMity of
San Diego Tournament on Feb. 20.
After four tournaments, the Big Ten
season opens with a doubleheadO
against Indiana on March 28. ;Home
games start April 5 versus Ohio State at
Alumni Field - for what could be one'
of Michigan's premier teams this year.
I FILE PHOTO
The Michigan softball team won four of five games at the Elk Rapids Collegiate
tournament in Traverse City this weekend - probably a sign of the Wolverines'
upcoming success in the regular season, starting in February.
Forget lAecturA. You
u P S
not good with any other offer
II
have SPORTS Monday.
MMini-
Registration Dates:
Registration Site:
Instructor: Barbara Mann
Aerobics Price: $40/person
Section 1: Wednesdays 10/15 - 11/19 7-8 PM
These classes will get you into shape. Come to class
each week prepared to move to the upbeat music
and fun exercise routines.
Courses
September 22 - October 8
Michigan Union Ticket Office @ 763-TKTS
No mail-in registration.
Refunds only if course is canceled.
Most Classes Begin Week of October 13
For More Information Call UAC @ 763-1107
Kaplan -LSAT Instructor: Kaplan Staff
Section I: Mondays & Wednesdays beginning 10/22
Section Il: Tuesdays & Thursdays beginning 10/23
Getting anxious about applying to Law School?
Prepare for that nerve-racking exam in the comfort and
convenience of the Michigan Union. Register through
Kaplan @ 662-3149.
WHEN & WHERE.
Ballroom
Dancing
Instructors: Herman Humes
& Bob Pinter
Price: $56/couple
Massage
Instructor: Rashid Seklaoui
Price: $45/person
Section I: Tuesdays 10/14 - 11/18 7-9 PM
Section 11: Wednesdays 10/15 - 11/19 7-9 PM
Section II: Thursdays 10/16 - 11/20 7-9 PM
Come learn the Rumba, Fox Trot, Cha-Cha, Swing,
Waltz and Tango and sweep your partner off his/her
feet. This course is for beginner and
intermediate dancers.
mu Instructor: Scot Greig
Barten din gPrice: $45/person
Section 1: Mondays 10/13 - 11/3 6-8 PM
Section ll: Tuesdays 10/14 - 11/4 6-8 PM
Section III: Wednesdays 10/15 - 11/5 6-8 PM
Section IV: Thursdays 10/16 - 11/6 6-8 PM
This is the course you have always heard about. Now
it is your turn to take it. Learn how to mix over 100
drinks and become a whiz behind the bar. A
certificate of graduation will be awarded upon
completion of the course. (The last class is taught at
the Nectarine!)
Instructor: Ann Flora
Cooking Price: $45 for the class,
plus a $15 lab fee
Section 1: Mondays 10/13 - 11/10 7-9 PM
Dazzle friends with your kitchen expertise! Learn
how to make the delicious cuisine that only a
practiced chef can create.
Instructor: Kevin Reome
m prov Price: $40/person
Section I: Tuesdays 10/14 - 11/18 7-8:30 PM
Section 11: Tuesdays 10/14 - 11/18 8:30-10 PM
This class is for creative people who want to have
fun indulging their comedic impulses. No prior
experience necessary, but prepare to leave your
inhibitions at the door and have a good time.
Section 1: Tuesdays 10/14- 11/18 7-10 PM
Section II: Thursdays 10/16 - 11/20 7-10 PM
Learn to have the best hands on campus. This course
teaches you the secrets of giving and receiving the
perfect massage. Remember to bring a towel to
every class.
Pool
Instructor: Union Billiards Room Staff
Price: $30/person
Section I: Tuesdays 10/14- 11/18 7-9 PM
Section 11: Tuesdays 10/14 - 11/18 9-11 PM
Ever wanted to achieve that perfect break, or clear the
table before your opponent? This class teaches you the
fundamentals of pool so you can become a ball and
cue expert.
Instructor: Joan E. Smith
Price: $40/person
Language
Section I: Wednesdays 10/15 - 11/19 6-7 PM Begin.
Section II: Wednesdays 10/15 - 11/19 7-8 PM Begin.
Section III: Wednesdays 10/15 - 11/19 8-9 PM Inter.
Become more expressive with your body. Learn one of
the most valuable communication skills-the ability to
speak with your hands-through Basic American
Sign Language.
Instructor: Richard Maurer
Price: $30/person
Cards
Section I: Tuesdays 10/14- 11/18 6-7 PM
Get in touch with your instinctual nature by leaming the
new age technique of reading tarot cards. Emphasis will
be placed on history and philosophy as well as learning
to use and interpret the cards.
September 24, 7.30 pm
Ann Arbor Theater (H)
WHAT.
Cardmembers get tw compli-
mentary passes to a preview
screening of DreamWorks
Pictures' new film The
Peacemakerto be released
9/26/97.
HOW.
Just bring the American Express®
Card or Optima® Card and your
student ID to the location listed
below to pick up your passes.
NOW.
If you're not yet a Cardmember
and would like to take part in our
exclusive previews, it's easy to
apply for the Card. Just call
1-800-942-AMEX, ext. 4114.
MORE TO COME.
The Peacemaker is one in a series
of five major motion pictures to
be previewed on your campus
this year,0compliments of
American xpress.
is
0
- Shorter Courses -.
CPR & Instructor: The Red Crss
Price: $52/person
d Instructor: Cindy Klement
Iri dology Price: $36/person