Volleyball team third in conference
By John Baracani
The volleyball team was ranked third in the North Central Community College Conference poll released at press time.
With the outstanding play of Sarah Riebe, Amanda Anderson, Leslie Urnikis, and Jodi Carrico, the team had compiled an 11-8 record overall, and a 2-2 conference record going into the final conference game against Joliet, which was to be played on Tuesday, October 6, after press time but before publication.
According to Coach Kirsten McLendon, now in her second season of coaching at IVCC, the team has played well, at times. "We’ve had an up and down season, but we have a very talented team."
The one aspect of the team that has been a constant for the season is their defense.
"We have very strong passing and that really helps," McLendon said. "Passing and digging is always there, and serving can be, but is an on and off strong point. We have a defensive team."
McLendon is very high on her team, and has a lot of confidence in them. "We’ve played well against Joliet, and I expect us to win (on Oct. 6). We played DuPage very tough and barely lost. It was anybody’s game, and we both fought hard. We lost to Rock Valley, who is tough to play, especially at home."
McLendon also agrees that her team will play better against Rock Valley in their next meeting. "Joliet beat Rock Valley, and we beat Joliet rather easily, so the girls will play better next time."
Despite the successful season to this point, the team has had a couple of key injuries. The first was that of freshman outside/middle hitter Michelle Kaps, who suffered a sprained ankle. The second was even more serious, a torn knee ligament sustained by fellow freshman Abby Stella.
If it were not for these injuries, the team could have been even more impressive, according to the head coach.
The crowd can sometimes bring out the best in the players, according to McLendon.
"The next few matches are at home, and we could use some more fans," said McLendon. "To this point, most of the fans have been a few of the baseball players, who came to show their support."
The Lady Apaches will play host to Black Hawk West on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 6p.m., and Sat. Oct. 10 at noon against Carl Sandburg.
Oct. 8, 1998 the Apache