Volleyball

By Billy Cruz
Assistant Sports Editor

The volleyball team recently wrapped up a successful 2001 season, which included 30 wins and a berth into the NJCAA Region IV Finals.

The team opened their postseason Region IV Tournament on Oct. 30, 2001 on their home court by defeating 7th seeded Carl Sandburg 30-23, 30-28, and 30-18.

After the first round victory, the IVCC women moved on to the College of Lake County on Oct. 2, 2001, where they continued there postseason success with a hard-fought 30-27, 30-28, and 31-29 win over the # 3 seed, Highland.

The following day, however, the season came to an end for IVCC in the Region Finals as they fell to the eventual NJCAA Division II National Champions from Kishwaukee College, 30-16, 30-18, and 30-17.

With the loss, IVCC claimed the Region IV District A Runner-Up hardware and finished the season with an overall 30-11 record and 9-3 in the Arrowhead Conference.

IVCC head coach Laurie Polte was pleased with her team’s effort in the postseason.

"I thought we played very well in the postseason," said Polte. "We didn’t play to our ability against Carl Sandburg, but we played well enough to win. The girls were pumped and ready to go against Highland. They came out and just played well.

"However, when we played Kishwaukee we didn’t serve receive well and that didn’t help us, but we left everything w had on the floor. I was very pleased with the team’s effort. The girls were out on the court having fun."

Despite falling in the region finals, Polte felt her team accomplished their goal.

"Our goal was to improve from last year and we did," said the coach. "This group of girls were fun to work with and I hope we can build on this for next year when they come back out. We had a very good year and we are starting to be recognized nationally."

Nationally recognized indeed as IVCC had several players finish in the top 50 in the nation in several different statistical categories.

Lisa Esmond finished the year ranked 9th in the nation, averaging 10.3 assists per game, while totaling 1,250 on the season. Esmond also added 346 digs and 63 aces.

Melissa Marusich averaged 0.9 aces per game and finished with 110, ranking her 22nd in the nation. She also contributed 332 digs.

Dani Zellmer connected for 414 kills on the season, ranking her 23rd in the nation, while she had 352 digs and added 68 aces.

Lindsey Kling was ranked 28th, averaging 3.2 block kills per game, resulting in 41 on the year. Kling added 293 kills for IVCC’s cause.

Megan Nation was ranked 33rd for her 391 digs, averaging 3.4 per game, while also adding 86 aces, ranking her 40th in the nation.

Emy Prokes averaged 3.1 digs per game, finishing with a team-high 359 digs, ranking her 48th throughout the nation.

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