As the UW-Platteville volleyball season gets underway, a major role in the success of the team lies in the hands of seven freshmen. While the Pioneers return six players from last season’s roster, the underclassmen are looked at to contribute early in the season.

Photograph by Kate Olsen
Freshman outside hitter Sam Plomb jumps up for a kill while frashman setter Ali Sikic and junior middle hitter Lisa Bell look on.

“It’s a different game compared to the one they played in high school,” women’s volleyball head coach Debra Schulman said. “They are dealing with different size and speed with bigger blocks, but overall they are adjusting well.”

The Pioneers return six letterwinners from the 2007 season: sophomore outside hitter Melissa Hillebrand, sophomore defensive specialist Abby Carey, junior middle and outside hitter Stephanie Tronnes, junior middle hitter Lisa Bell, senior defensive specialist and libero Rochelle Ripp, and senior outside hitter Rachel Chapman. Chapman and Bell were 2007 honorable mention selections for the All-WIAC team.

Four freshmen, including middle hitter Casee Simms, setter Ali Sikic, outside hitter Sam Plomb, and outside and middle hitter Lisa Schumacher have already seen a significant amount of playing time. However, the women continue to adjust to volleyball at the collegiate level.

“Volleyball in college is a lot faster paced than in high school,” Schumacher said. “I like the challenge.” Making the transition from high school to collegiate athletics can be a struggle for freshmen. Players have to deal with new coaches, new teammates and playing in the competitive WIAC.

The freshmen also face the challenges of balancing homework, practices and a social life in a new environment. Some players use volleyball as an escape from studying because it allows them to relieve stress from a long day in the classroom.

“It’s hard trying to find time for homework and reading,” Schumacher said. “I like to consider practice my playtime where I can rest my mind from the stresses in life and just have a great time playing volleyball.” The Pioneers started the 2008 season by traveleing out-of-state for the Colorado College Invitational Aug. 29-30, where they placed third. Chapman and Hillebrand came away with all-tournament honors.

They earned a win on the road at Coe College 3-2 on Sept. 3. UW-P lost the first two sets but stormed back for a match victory behind the play of Chapman, who recorded 17 kills, and Ali Sikic, who lead the Pioneers with 47 assists.

The volleyball team hosted the Nike Sports UW-Platteville Invitational last weekend. The Pioneers lost both of its matches on Friday to undefeated Augustana and UW-Oshkosh. UW-P came back to dominate both of its matches on Saturday defeating Edgewood and Monmouth. According to the Sports Information Web site, Hillebrand earned all-tournament honors while Sikic averaged 10.44 assists per game and Simms tallied 14 blocks.

“Youth has a major effect on the season with a slower start,” Schulman said. “We look forward to good things happening down the road with this group.”

The Pioneers will travel to UW-Stevens Point Wednesday, Sept. 17 to take on the Pointers.