Freshman Savannah Knowles has a starting spot in the Illinois State University volleyball lineup because senior Staci Boyce accepted a position change in just the second week of the season and Knowles is in awe of her team captain over that.
I respect Staci so much, said Knowles, who played behind Boyce on the outside during preseason. In practice, I would either be hitting behind her in drills, or trying to stop her on the other side of the net. I look up to Staci. I just hope if my team needs me to do something like that, I could do it. Ive learned a lot from Staci.
Right now, Knowles team needs her to continue provide passing and digging in addition to kills from the outside. Thats what got her on the court, according to Redbird coach Sharon Dingman, whose team plays three matches this weekend in the Panther Invitational in Milwaukee. Dingman likes the 2003 Crystal Lake Central High School graduates progress as a player in just a few weeks on campus.
Savannah makes us a better ball-control team, said Dingman. She is working on her hitting and we believe she will improve as the season progresses.
Dingman praised Boyce for accepting the move back to the middle, but admitted she wasnt surprised at her senior captains willingness to make the change.
Staci just told me whatever I can do to help the team, said Dingman, whose Redbirds are 3-4 heading into Fridays match against 7-0 Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Staci is pretty much about whatever the team needs from her. Players like Savannah see her leadership and what it does for our team.
Boyce played some right side and left side as a freshman at Illinois State. As a sophomore, the former Lockport High School star moved into the middle in mid-season, posting strong hitting percentages and breaking a Redbird Arena blocking record. Last year, she started on the outside and was part of Illinois States Big Three hitters along with the now-graduated Jenny Kabbes and Erin Jones. All three averaged above 3.2 kills per game for the season.
Staci is so athletic, said Dingman. She gives us the quickness we need in the middle. She can close the block. (Setter) Kelly Rikli was comfortable with Staci right away on offense when we made the change. Kelly wasnt the setter (in 2001) when Staci played middle before, so thats a new combination. But its working, because Staci will do whatever the team needs her to do.
The chess game also returned junior Amber Rogers from middle to right side, where she saw most of her time the last two years.
Dingman isnt afraid of lineup adjustments during the season. In her previous three seasons at Illinois State, injuries dictated position changes which proved to be successful for players like Boyce.
Being able to make adjustments is a big part of coaching, said Dingman. And, if the players respond to the change, it always gives you a chance to be more successful.
