Fourth-year coach Mia Smith opens the fall volleyball season facing several challenges in an attempt to rebound from a disappointing 1996 campaign. The Fighting Scots, who posted a 7-20 record last year, suffered through a tough mid-season losing streak only to finish with a flourish in conference action. Monmouth (3-2, 3rd MWC South) won three of its final four MWC matches to claim a berth in the postseason tournament, where the team lost its steam and eventually finished 6th of 8 schools.

The lone senior, Lynn Utter (Monmouth,IL/Monmouth), returns as the top frontline player (170 kills, 216 blocks, 13 aces in 1996) and will be one of the main weapons in Smith's shifting offensive scheme. Junior Michelle Kommer (Monticello,IL/Monticello) (40 kills, 37 aces) is another returning starter and is a likely candidate to fill one of the outside hitter positions, along with junior Sara Rademaker (Ohio,IL/Sherrard) who saw action in 58 games in 1996 in a part-time starting role.

Twins Cindy and Wendy Erlandson (Kirkwood,IL/Yorkwood) are part of a sophomore class which must develop quickly in light of the lack of upperclassman experience. Cindy played in 73 games last fall as the secondary setter and recorded 171 assists, while Wendy is expected to challenge for one of the hitter positions. Stacey Kreps (Champaign,IL/Champaign Centennial) and Jill Brant (Sandwich, IL/Sandwich) have seen playing time as setters and will also be used in a variety of defensive situations.

The freshman class is an accomplished group on paper and contains potential starting talent which may contribute heavily to the Scots' results before the season is over. Jennifer Hakes (Flanagan,IL/ Flanagan) and Erin Fink (Peoria,IL/Richwoods) will challenge the incumbent setters for court time, while outside hitters who could crack the top six include Cathie Osborn (Hartsburg,IL/ Hartsburg-Emden), Abby Pollentier (East Moline,IL/United Township) and Melissa Hartman (Milledgeville, IL/Milledgeville). First-year players Krista Shepherd (Knoxville,IL/Knoxville) and Jackie Yasko (New Lenox,IL/Lincoln-Way) are expected to provide depth in the front row at the middle hitter and blocker positions.

"Our sophomores will need to play like veterans and the incoming freshmen will definitely play vital roles in our team success," stated Smith. "Passing skills and the overall offensive system should be strong points this fall, but the blocking positions are an area of concern for us. The competition for the starting setter position will be a real tough battle."

The volleyball team was the first of Monmouth's fall sport teams to open action as the college hosted a four-school scrimmage August 30th at Glennie Gymnasium. The scrimmage gave Smith an early opportunity to work on potential lineup combinations, scout her freshman players and analyze her team's strengths before this week's season opener. "Our team is much quicker to the ball and seems to have better power on the outside attack," said Smith following Saturday's action. "Our passing has improved from last year and the serving is becoming more consistent." Smith praised Utter and Kommer for their floor leadership and offensive skills during the scrimmage while also commenting on the steady play of Kreps (setter) and Wendy Erlandson (outside hitter). "We still need to speed up the game and learn each other's strengths and weaknesses," added the Monmouth coach. "Our floor communication has to be more consistent."

After a Thursday road match at MacMurray in Jacksonville, the Fighting Scots will open their home schedule with the annual Monmouth Invitational Tournament on Saturday, September 6. South Division rivals Grinnell and Illinois College will visit Glennie Gymnasium later in the season for crucial Midwest Conference matches and the Scots will face North Division league member Lake Forest on Homecoming Saturday (October 18). The team will also participate in four invitational tournaments this season. Illinois College won its fourth MWC volleyball title in the past six years with a sweep of Lake Forest in last October's league championship final and should again field a strong team, along with Lake Forest, 1995 conference champion Beloit and St. Norbert.