|
August 8, 2006
(By: Eric Taylor, Bellevue Leader sports editor)
For the past four years, Trish Siedlik has done her best to keep Bellevue University out of the NAIA national volleyball tournament.
Now Siedlik will be trying to help those same Bruins get back to nationals for the first time in six years.
Siedlik enters her first season at the Bruin helm after guiding College of St. Mary for the past four seasons.
During those four years, Siedlik guided the Flames to three national tourney appearances and four consecutive Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference titles. The Flames defeated Bellevue in the Region IV finals a year ago.
"It's a different situation for me," Siedlik said. "I spent years as a player (at CSM) and a coach trying to beat Bellevue. Now I have to help Bellevue beat CSM. They're going through some of the same things we are with a new coach, so we're all in the same boat."
Even though she is new to the Bruin program, Siedlik is no stranger having coached against the Bruins over a dozen times in the past four seasons, including four times in 2005. She lost just one match during that span.
"I've scouted BU and I've become familiar with their strengths and weaknesses," she said. "I have a pretty good understanding of the program, now I just have to find a way to help get them over the hump."
That hump Siedlik speaks of is none other than her former team.
"I'm not going to sit here and tell the girls to ignore them because they (CSM) are the team to beat," she said. "But if we focus our entire season on beating CSM, then we're not staying disciplined as a team."
Siedlik is not the only newcomer to the Bruins as nine new players will join the five holdovers from a team that went 29-9 in 2005.
Gone are dominant hitters Krystal Ksiazek, Julia Tracy and Nicole Mausbach, but Siedlik is excited with the young group she'll have on the court this season.
"We're losing some great leadership, but we have a young group back that was very good," Siedlik said. "We don't have a senior so we're looking for some leadership. What we're looking for most is to develop some team chemistry. If we don't have that, we can't reach any of our goals."
Siedlik expects to build much of the attack around returning setter Candace Clow, who had 1,250 assists as a freshman last season.
"Candace is very athletic and has become one of the top setters in the region," Siedlik said. "Her work ethic has been tremendous and we're going to continue to push her to get us to the next step."
Another sophomore, Amber Jarzynka, is the top returning hitter after earning MCAC Freshman of the Year honors with 277 kills.
"Amber is a smart, hard hitter and she helps gives us a nice core of front-line players," Siedlik said.
Junior Alicia Oakeson recorded 268 kills a year ago on the outside while Cara Fleischman is back after recording 87 kills. Jenny Kozlik is the other returnee and is expected to help as a defensive specialist.
Siedlik believes one of the strengths of this group will be its depth, something she hopes is greatly aided with the nine newcomers.
"The lineup is in no way set and the girls know that," she said. "They're going to have to compete and not just relax into a starting role."
Among the group of newcomers is 6-0 middle/outside hitter Jenny Horne, a transfer from CSM. Juniors Ashley Gilmore, Kim Nelson and Katie Jaschke join freshmen Angela Raether, Kayla Gaughen, Amber Thacker, Jennifer Goodman and Rachel Muller as new additions that look to make an impact in 2006.
Siedlik has established herself as a winner both as a player and coach at CSM, now she wants to make her mark with the Bruins.
"I think one of the biggest reasons I made this change was to see what I could do as a coach," she said. "I was in a comfort zone and was ready for a challenge.
"I'm excited to see what this team can do not only this year, but for years to come."
|
Here you will find the latest information about Bellevue University Volleyball.
Bellevue University Volleyball would like to invite you and your friends to compete in an Inland Beach
Tournament, 4x4 Grass Volleyball. Junior Girls Age Divisions: 14U, 16U, 18U & Adult Coed: 2 Male/2 Female.