The expansion of the role of the libero in volleyballa back-row defensive specialist who can now play nearly every servehas caused a happy dilemma for Illinois State coach Sharon Dingman. Since the libero was first introduced in 2002, current Redbird senior Paige White has filled the role ably for Illinois State. But, now free from the effects of a broken leg suffered two years ago, sophomore Jessie Janik has shown strong qualifications for the job as well.
Whites forte is passing serves. Janiks is digging opponent attacks. Dingmans is deciding which one plays most. So far, both have stepped forward at key times. Janik had a career-high 22 digs in Fridays win over Denver. Whites passing helped the Redbirds hit 312 in a 3-0 win over Iowa.
Paiges passing was excellent over the weekend, said Dingman. Jessie can really dig some balls. So, I guess I have a passero and a diggero. What were looking for is a libero.
This weekend could bring Dingman closer to a decision. The Redbirds, 3-1 on the heels of a Barker GMC Classic championship last weekened at Redbird Arena, go on the road for a tournament, playing at 7 p.m. Friday at 3-0 Western Kentucky, then meeting South Florida at noon and Southeast Missouri State at 3 p.m. on Saturday. The match time for South Florida is different from the one previously published.
Really, the Redbirds last line of defense has a chance to be the most improved area on the team. Versatile Ashley Grubb also plays in the back row, contributing serving and defense as a regular defensive specialist. But Grubbs front row ability has Dingman reluctant to use her in the libero spot.
Because we usually run out of (12 allowed) subs most games, I need Ashley to be available to play all the way around, said Dingman. So, that makes me hesitate to give her that libero shirt. Shes too valuable.
Dingman feels Western Kentucky could be an example of the kind of defense shed like from her libero and back-row specialists.
Western Kentucky, as a team, has great ball control, said Dingman. They dig everything. They really get to some balls. They are fun to watch, but we will be challenged.
A tournament title for the Redbirds would give them two or more regular-season titles for the first time in 14 years. The 1990 ISU team won back-to-back tournaments at home in September, three in a row overall.
