When she thinks about it, Illinois State volleyball coach Sharon Dingman believes having a young team is an advantage going into a week where it meets three of the nations top 20 ranked teams.
Illinois State, 2-1, plays No. 16 Wisconsin, 2-1, at 7 p.m. Friday and No. 17 Texas A&M, 3-0, at 10 a.m. Saturday at the InnTowner Classic in Madison, Wis. After a Saturday afternoon exhibition match with the University of Montreal, the Redbirds return home for a Wednesday match at 7 p.m. in Redbird Arena vs. No. 1 Stanford.
I think its a benefit that our players are so young, said Dingman. They just want to go out there and play and I think they proved that last weekend. Its good experience.
Even though Dingman believes her freshman-laden squad may lack the sophistication to be intimidated by one of the nations toughest non-conference schedules, she appreciates the fact that her senior leadership--Jenny Kabbes and Erin Jones--has the situation in perspective.
We have shown that, for as young as we are, we can play with composure, said Dingman. Jenny and Erin are our stabilizing influence. Theyve been around and understand what it takes to get the job done.
Wisconsin and Texas A&M are traditional powers. Under the leadership of former Illinois State assistant coach Pete Waite, the Badgers began the season ranked No. 10 in the nation. Laurie Corbellis Texas A&M teams are long-standing powers in the Big 12, one of the nations strongest conferences.
Dingman knows her teams offense, off to a good start at home under the leadership of setter Kelly Rikli, will be challenged by those ranked teams.
Kelly is doing a very good job, said Dingman. Our hitters are making good decisions when to go for the kill and when to keep the ball in play.
NOTES: The Redbirds have added a walk-on player. Freshman Kristin Vandry, a 5-foot-8 former Queen of Peace High School
star, has joined the team as a defensive specialist and outside hitter ... A recheck of attendance figures from last weekends Barker GMC Classic has resulted in a correction of the figure announced on Friday. The sessions actual attendance was 2,236, bringing the three-session tournament total to 4,557 ... Illinois States RPI has to be looking good. Thanks to a powerful non-conference schedule and a fast start by Missouri Valley Conference partners, the Redbirds opponents total record at 43-20 (.683) when not playing Illinois State.
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2002 InnTowner Classic
Wisconsin Field House, Madison, Wis.
Friday, September 6
4:30 p.m. Texas A&M vs. Montreal (Exh.)
7 p.m. Illinois State at Wisconsin
Saturday, September 7
10 a.m. Illinois State vs. Texas A&M
Noon Montreal vs. Wisconsin (Exh.)
4:30 p.m. Illinois State vs. Montreal (Exh.)
7 p.m. Texas A&M at Wisconsin
