Hoosiers vault into new season with momentum

After opening its season this weekend at the Hurricane Invitational in Florida, the women's volleyball team is attempting to build on the momentum from its 2002 campaign. Last year, the Hoosiers produced a 12-win improvement from the 2001 season and finished the season with a 20-13 overall record and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The team returns five starters and has been predicted to finish fifth in the Big Ten. Last season, the Big Ten sent a record eight teams to the NCAA Tournament. \nCoach Katie Weismiller said that little things could mean the difference between the team ascending to the next level or the team regressing back to its 2001 form. \n"I think first we keep a close eye on our side of the court," Weismiller said in a statement. "We have to focus on what we are doing, who we are, and what we are about. I think too often we get so caught up in what the other team has and what they are doing that we focus too much on an opponent and not enough on ourselves."\nThe only major subtraction from last year's squad is Hillary Toivonen, who finished her career in second place on the all-time IU digs list. \n"We certainly have big shoes to fill with Hillary, not only with ball control, but with defense," Weismiller said. "The good thing is that we have a lot of players who can come in and help us because they can control the ball. It's probably a little tougher knowing that she's not on our roster, but on the bright side, she is the only player we lost from last year."\nReturning from last year's team is senior Melissa Brewer, the 2002 First Team All-Big Ten member and All-Mideast region selection. Accompanying Brewer are All-Big Ten honorable mention picks junior Christina Archibald and junior Katie Pollom. \nAlso returning is the Hoosiers' record-breaking setter junior Victoria Zimmerman. Last season, she notched 1,765 assists, an IU single season record. Senior Nikki Hill, who played in all 130 games for the Hoosiers last year, returns healthy after playing with a knee injury last season. Senior Monique Pritz, junior Beth Heimman and sophomores Ashley White and Mandy Eberle all expect to see extended action and provide depth that is integral to the success of the team. \n"This year, I think we're going to be a much better blocking team," Weismiller said. "Depth is going to be huge. We were limited in practice because we only had so many bodies. The idea that we can play, and give people rest -- it'll be good."\n-- Contact staff writer Matt Glenesk at mglenesk@indiana.edu.