Indiana University Athletics
Practice Report - Sept. 20
9/20/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 20, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - As the Indiana volleyball team prepares for this weekend's Big Ten openers against Michigan State and Michigan, seniors Mandy Eberle and Rachel Gerling sat down with IUHOOSIERS.com after practice.
Senior middle blocker Mandy Eberle
On what the team can anticipate for the weekend:
I think, with it being the Big Ten opener, everyone is going to be really fired up. It is going to be really intense and both teams are going to play hard. It is going to be really competitive.
On what the team has been working on in practice:
This week, we have been focusing a lot on communication. We really need to be able to control our side of the net.
On what leadership she provides to a young squad:
Being seniors has taught both of us that we really can't have an off day. Even if we are tired, we both have to be out there and make sure everyone else is doing the same. The team has done such a good job of keeping right up. Everybody is just great this year. The attitude is great. Everyone wants to get better.
On what the seniors have done to remind the team about the difference between non-conference and the Big Ten season:
We definitely try to tell them that. I think they know though. Everyone on this team knows we are heading into the Big Ten, and that it is so competitive. That is why it is fun. Everyone has dreamed about playing in the Big Ten.
Senior outside hitter Rachel Gerling
On why Indiana has such a solid service game:
We have a lot of different kinds of serves. The fact that all of us serve differently makes it difficult for the other team to get into a rhythm to pass.
On what leadership she provides to a young squad:
I think the inexperience of our team was a worry in the preseason. Now that we have finished that, I don't think it is a problem anymore.
On what the seniors have done to remind the team about the difference between non-conference and the Big Ten season:
The upperclassmen have kept reminding everyone that it is the Big Ten this weekend. Hopefully, that will rub off on the freshmen. I think it has.
