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; n B zo$$ 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