NU volleyball opens spring practice in Hawaii
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BY TODD HENRICHS / Lincoln Journal Star
At least for one day, John Cook would prefer to keep his Nebraska volleyball team out of the limelight.
As the Huskers prepare to open spring practice Monday in Hawaii, Cook's first concern is that nobody gets burned from tanning on the sandy beaches of paradise.
The Huskers traveled to Hawaii on Saturday in preparation for a week of workouts coinciding with spring break at NU. The trip will culminate Friday night when the Huskers meet perennial power Hawaii in the first of five scheduled spring exhibitions.
"I hear there's already quite a bit of hype and a lot of interest for that match," Cook said on Friday. "They may get a pretty big crowd, which would be great for both of us."
Nebraska and Hawaii figure to be two of the top teams in the country next fall. Both won 30 matches last season largely with underclassmen playing in key roles.
Both teams, however, fell short of the goal of making it to the final four. For Nebraska's players, the pain of losing to Southern California in the Louisville Regional was something that stuck with them through offseason conditioning.
"They worked really hard," Cook said. "We did our testing, and even though I haven't seen the results yet, they looked great."
Despite losing just one senior off last year's team, the Huskers will be somewhat short-handed this spring due to injuries and transfers.
Cook said Jennifer Saleaumua, a three-year starter at outside hitter, is likely to train and play as the libero for at least the first three weeks of spring drills. The Huskers also want to try junior-to-be Dani Mancuso at the position.
It appears as though Amanda McCormick, Nebraska's starting libero last season, will not return to the Huskers next fall. Cook has told McCormick he would grant a release from her scholarship if she elects to transfer to another school.
Who plays libero for the Huskers next season likely won't be decided until after Nebraska opens fall practice in August. Cook said a lot will depend on the readiness of Jordan Larson to step in at outside hitter. The highly-touted recruit from Logan View is expected to immediately contend for a starting spot.
Another incoming freshman, walk-on Rachel Schwartz of Lincoln East, also could step in and play libero next season.
"We're going to have some good competition," Cook said. "The biggest thing is we want to get our six best players on the court."
Nebraska returns national freshman of the year Sarah Pavan on the right side, middle blockers Tracy Stalls and Melissa Elmer, and Saleaumua, Mancuso and Christina Houghtelling on the outside. All have extensive experience as starters.
Busboom, another of the returning starters, is Nebraska's only available setter this spring while Michelle Lynch recovers from offseason surgery.
Cook also wants to get a good look at Megan Smith this spring. The freshman middle blocker played sparingly last season.
Nebraska's spring schedule includes home-and-home dates with Minnesota, which lost to Stanford in the 2004 national championship match. The Huskers also will face Wichita State in a rematch of last season's NCAA second-round match at the Coliseum.
Reach Todd Henrichs at 473-7439 or thenrichs@journalstar.com.
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