Staci Boyce is back to her roots and she used that to take her game to a higher level in Illinois States four-game intrasquad volleyball scrimmage Saturday at Redbird Arena. The junior began her career as an outside hitter, but moved to the middle last year. Now, shes back outside and her 21 kills led all players in the scrimmage.
The White squad won each game 30-21, 30-28, 30-19 and 30-18 in the two-hour public workout. Redbird coach Sharon Dingman changed the lineups for both sides between games three and four.
No matter which side of the net Boyce was on, she put the ball away.
Shes playing with great confidence right now, said Dingman.
Boyce, who had four block assists totaling 23 total points, agrees with Dingman and believes experience has been a key.
Im feeling confident just from my two years of experience, said Boyce. Outside is where Ive played the most. It comes pretty naturally.
Dingman saluted Boyces efforts beyond hitting, remarking that her digging, serving and serve receive have improved. Boyce already is an established blocker, setting the Redbird Arena record with14 blocks in a match last year.
Staci is our best athlete, said Dingman. She belongs on the floor and, right now, I think if we asked her to play setter, she would say sure. She is capable of doing great things on the court every day.
Dingman, whose team starts the season Friday against Florida State in the Barker GMC Classic at Redbird Arena, expressed confidence that the group would be ready to face an overpowering early schedulefour ranked teams in its first eight matches.
I think we can play harder with more focus than we have, said Dingman. We believe we have the talent. This team is getting ready and I think well come to play (when the season starts.)
Freshmen Emily Kabbes and Ashley Grubb also had strong hitting performances in the scrimmage. Kabbes had 14 kills and hit .500 in 26 swings. Grubb had 13 kills in 40 attempts.
Season tickets as well as single-game tickets are available at the Redbird Arena Ticket Office, (309) 438-8000.
