This is the second of a four part preview of the 2011 Creighton Volleyball team. Coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth leads the Bluejays into the regular season starting on Friday, August 26, at the Texas A&M Invitational opening against Texas-San Antonio
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Creighton volleyball enjoyed a lot of success last season culminating with their trip to the NCAA Tournament. A lot of that success was built on the solid hitting of Alicia Runge and Allie Oelke. Runge was the team leader in kills last season (463) and a second-team All-MVC member. On the other side, Oelke finished her career a little more decorated. She finished in second-place on Creighton’s all-time digs list, with 1,382 career digs. She also ranked in Creighton’s career top-10 in kills, aces and blocks making her one of two players in Creighton history in the top-11 in all four categories.
Replacing those numbers won’t be easy. Coach Booth has spent the spring trying to see who will fill those spots in the lineup. One of the other challenges is the experience at the hitter positions.
Almgren has the most experience (Streur/WBR)
Karisa Almgren will get the first shot to establish herself as a full time starter. After cheering from the sidelines most of her first two seasons on the Hilltop, the senior came on last season with her first extended playing time opportunity and took full advantage of it being a large contributor down the stretch of last season. She’s hoping to do it again. “I’m so excited,” said Almgren. Coming off of last season, it is going to be work trying to do what we did last season to try and top that. It’s my senior season. I love the girls.”
Almgren’s play on the court pumps up the fans and her teammates. “The first couple years seasons, I was probably head cheerleader,” Almgren says. “I still have to take the cheerleading job, but I can actually get on the court now and cheer from the court.” But the energy she has is just for the love of volleyball. “Any good thing like a great block or a really great kill, it is that excitement and adrenalin of playing the game. I’m doing something that I love.” It might be her love of the game that will lead the Bluejays this season on the court full time.
After Almgren, experience is something that will have to be built this season. Natalie Hackbarth and Lexi Malm are two ladies hoping to expand their playing time from last season.
Hackbarth had a nice offseason (Streur/WBR)
Hackbarth only played in five matches last season getting only three kills and five digs total, but due to injuries this spring had an opportunity to impress the coaching staff. Bernthal Booth mentioned earlier that Hackbarth received a lot of playing time in the 1back row. Her hard work paid off as it/ culminated with a strong performance this past spring in their exhibition against a Chinese professional team where she outperformed last season in one match. (6 kills, 11 digs.) “I feel like I am more of a presence this season,” Hackbarth said. “Last year I was just a newbie freshman and this year I have to play a bigger role, by being more vocal and aggressive. I just want to continue to get better.” The sophomore from Algona, Iowa will have that opportunity this season as she competes for the outside hitter position.
Malm tries to break into the lineup this season (Streur/WBR)
Malm had very little playing time last season as a freshman only appearing in three matches. But she is encouraged by the prospects this season. “All the spots were held by strong hitters last season. Since they all graduated and Karisa (Almgren) moved to the outside, there are some more opportunities, but it is really competitive.”
Malm had back surgery back in April which has limited her training during the spring season and has worked to recover heading into the fall. “Luckily I got back pretty early compared to what they thought I was going to,” said Malm. “Now I am injury free.” Lexi is just excited to play. “Playing any team is exciting for me because I didn’t play at all last year. Seeing the court will be really nice. My goal is to do what they brought me in here to do.”
Other players that could make an early impact are the freshmen in Katie Neisler, Leah McNary & Lizzy Stivers. They each bring their own skills to the court. Fans were able to watch the freshmen for thefirst time Saturday night. Malm threw in her own thoughts on the match. “It is very intense. We have a lot of competitive people and a lot of good people coming in.” With the open spots available, any of them could earn potential playing time.
While some of the questions might have been answered at the Blue-White Scrimmage last Saturday night, there may be some rotating of players to start the season until a solid set of hitters is in place. The competition won’t only be against their opponents, but within the team itself. It should be fun to see it all play out.