Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Four freshmen highlight the new faces on the court for KU volleyball this year.
Defensive specialist Liz Ingram, a four-time all-conference and one-time all-state selection in Iowa, is expected to compete for a starting role immediately. She could fill the role of libero, which Jill Dorsey vacated when she graduated last year. Dorsey led the Big 12 in digs last season.
In addition, freshman Kristin Buehler will see her first game-action this season, as she took a redshirt last season. She hopes to start at middle blocker for the Jayhawks, after spending last season on the practice squad.
Buehler said her main focus will be strengthening the squad, no matter what role she played.
“I want to give as much as I can as far as a positive attitude and dedication to the team,” Buehler said.
Freshman Savannah Noyes is not expected to start, but is battling for playing time at middle blocker — a spot vacated when 2004 all-Big 12 Conference team member Ashley Michaels graduated. Noyes was a two-time state champion at Republican Valley High in Indianola, Neb., in addition to twice being all-state.
Freshman Katie Martincich, the 2004 Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year, will take a redshirt this season. Martincich won three state championships at Bishop Miege High School and made the all-state team twice. She will practice this season in hopes of becoming a starter in 2006.
For the newcomers fresh out of high school, the change of pace to Division I volleyball is the biggest hurdle.
“It’s a whole other system that we had to learn,” Martincich said. “The competition is a whole different step up.”
In addition to tougher competition, Noyes is adjusting to the differences between Lawrence and small-town Nebraska.
When it comes to the team, the newcomers said they weren’t sure where they would fit in.
“I think it’s too early for me to tell, but I just hope I can help the team be better,” Ingram said.
The story is different for Martincich. She knows she won’t see match-action this year, but she said she would still play a big role on the team.
“I’m going to try to make the A side work harder, make good competition for the starters,” she said.
Coach Ray Bechard said some of the freshmen could have an immediate impact on his team this season.
“Savannah adds depth to the middle and has an opportunity to contribute there early on,” Bechard said. “Liz Ingram will have an opportunity as well.”
Even if they don’t contribute right away in matches, they will still be a big factor in the success of the team, Bechard said.
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