Dufek: Don’t forget about volleyball

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

The building fills to the brim with dedicated fans every game, excited to see another action-packed match. They come to watch diving bodies hit the ground and fluid ball movements from player to player that result in perfect execution.

You might think I’m talking about Kansas football pulling a complete 180 against Kansas State on Saturday; women’s basketball cruising by Fort Hays State on Sunday; or men’s basketball starting tonight.

You would be wrong. I’m talking about volleyball.

The atmosphere that engulfs the Horejsi Family Athletics Center when the Jayhawks hit the court is easily worth a few hours of any sports fan’s time. Plus, it’s free with a KUID.

Before this turns into a written promo, I just want to say that I am in no way affiliated with KU volleyball; I don’t work for the Athletics Department; no coach suggested that I “get the word out” and the only volleyball achievement I have to my name is a high school intramural championship.

I simply feel the need to inform others as a person who recently gave volleyball a chance. I can promise that you won’t be disappointed if you wander down to the often-overlooked building next to Allen Fieldhouse Wednesday night for Kansas’ showdown with Colorado.

The game is sure to be a thriller as the Jayhawks look for revenge after falling in a heated five-set match against the Buffaloes in Boulder earlier this season. It’s also significant because both squads are vying for a better conference standing.

Similar to football, the Big 12 is one of the most competitive volleyball conferences in the country this season. The top five or six teams in the conference typically find their way into the NCAA tournament. Although Kansas is 10th in the Big 12, they are only 2.5 games behind the No. 5 Buffaloes. With seven games left to play, Kansas has enough time to work its way into the mix.

The Jayhawks certainly won’t make life any easier on Colorado. The Horejsi Center is one of the best venues to watch college volleyball. Out of the 329 D-1 volleyball schools, Kansas ranks 37th in attendance averaging 923 fans per game, according to the KU Athletics Web site.

Now, if two teams vying for NCAA tournament bids in your backyard at a terrific venue isn’t enough, one mustn’t look further than the players themselves.

Few players in the country can rival the excitement that Kansas sophomore Karina Garlington provides on a nightly basis. Garlington, a deadly adversary at the net, ranks fifth in the conference in both kills per set and points per set. If the ball from freshman Nicole Tate is on mark — and it usually is — Colorado will be eating leather once Garlington connects.

Then there’s veteran Natalie Uhart. The redshirt senior out of Lansing is the Jayhawks’ iron gate at the net. Watching Uhart shut down a thunderous spike is as entertaining as watching Cole Aldrich stuff an opponent next door.

However, the real fun starts when the ball makes it past the front line and into the backcourt. Players hit the ground diving after lightning fast spikes. Miraculous saves keep the ball in play just inches over the ground as fans “Ooh” and “Aah” trying to maintain balance at the edge of their seats. It’s not unusual to see balls flying through the rafters as players never let a play go dead until the whistle blows. With action like this going back and forth for minutes at a time, the game isn’t for the weak of heart.

So, if you’re wise enough to give volleyball a shot and possess the traits necessary to maintain your composure during the most gripping moments of the match, I can guarantee you’ll be thankful you gave it a chance.

You’ll spend less time at a volleyball match than you will waiting for a game to begin in Allen Fieldhouse.

— — Edited by Andy Greenhaw

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