Indiana University Athletics
Hoosiers Prepping for Season Opener
8/19/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
It's hard to believe, but the Indiana volleyball team has ten days of practice under its belt. What's even harder to believe is opening day of the season is ten days away. With the Hoosiers' season opener vs. Kent State at the Miami (Fla.) Tournament on Friday, August 29 rapidly approaching, head coach Katie Weismiller sat down to analyze her team's performance thus far.
Where is the team at right now?
"Right now, at this point in the season, we are getting better and improving. I definitely see some bright spots. Monique Pritz on the right side has been a real highlight. She is working hard, she's in great shape, and she's really become a go-to player."
How close is the team to being ready for the opener (Aug. 29 vs. Kent State)?
"We are a lot further along than we were a week ago at this time. We are making improvement and making strides, but it's just taking some time. With six new people it's a lot of teaching and a lot of learning. We improved our ball control and our passing has gotten better. Offensively we have looked pretty good, but we need to improve defensively."
With six new players, how is the team meshing together?
"Chemistry-wise we look pretty good. Communication-wise on the floor we still have a ways to go. Teaching the freshmen the transition game is tough. It's so much faster at this level, and that's where we are. Off the court, the chemistry is wonderful. On the court, we have a ways to go."
Overall, are you pleased with your team right now?
"Pleased so far. We're pretty healthy and getting in better volleyball shape and at the same time, we're hitting the ball harder than we did a year ago. We're better offensively than we were a year ago. Victoria (Zimmerman) has come back and he she has done a great job setting. She's really becoming a leader on the court and that's a huge plus. Overall, where we need to pickup is our defensive play."
Talk about the scrimmage on Saturday.
"Our scrimmage is Saturday. We're still trying to solidify some positions and iron out some spots. There are a lot of positions still open on the court."
