Volleyball team ups the speed

Across the country, the elite collegiate sports teams annually refill their rosters with the best talent and stay, well, elite.

It's reloading vs. rebuilding, and Nebraska's volleyball team is no exception. 

NU coach John Cook said during last week's media day that the game of volleyball is changing to a faster tempo, and that the dynamic of his team is following the pattern.

"This is going to be one of the fastest, most athletic teams you've seen at Nebraska," Cook said. "We've always been coined as the big girls; slow, big, dominate at the net. This is going to be a different feel, a team that plays fast."

The changes will force Cornhusker fans to learn to hold their breath longer during extended volleys. Fans will also have to accept fewer blocks and cherish the ones that come.

Cook said his Huskers' speed will not only close up the holes in the middle of the court, but also extend play beyond the sidelines.

According to Cook, the Huskers have already made plays in practice that would surprise even devout Husker fans.

"We've already seen what we call ESPN highlight plays in the gym and in practice already," Cook said. "People are flying all over this gym. We need to make this gym bigger because they can get to wherever that ball is. That's what it's going to look and feel like when you watch them."

Epitomizing Cook's comment was freshman Hannah Werth's diving play during last week's practice.

What would have been a sure kill two years ago in the center of the court was just another play during an unremitting volley. Freshman Megan Pendergast even found herself barreling into a ball rack in the same practice.

With quickness, though, comes the ability to get out of position faster. Something Cook said would be a point of emphasis throughout the fall.

"You've got to have great first contact. You've got to have setters that can go that fast," he said. "We've challenged them, and they've really worked hard on that this summer, to help develop that relationship. There's a lot of trust that comes in with that because things are going to happen a little faster, and so they've all got to be on the same page."

Cook said that while the Huskers have work yet to do on their chemistry and court awareness, the moments at practice when everything comes together summon enthusiastic, but brief celebration.

Multiple Huskers agreed the determination and passion has carried over from last year.

For a squad that lets giggles escape at every break during practice, the focus Cook's team is known for rushes in again as drills and scrimmages continue.

"Everyone's eager to get out on the court," Senior co-captain Kori Cooper said. "We've got a good core group of kids coming back. Everyone's fighting for their spot."

Cook said the players are developing and competing to get on the "red side of the court" – which is the side the starters practice on.

 "As a coach you love that because nobody can take a day off," Cook said. "Nobody can take a play off."

When the Huskers walk out for their first (regular season) game against Michigan at the Runza/AVCA showcase at the Qwest Center in Omaha Saturday, fans won't have a hard time recognizing their team.

"Last year's team was very athletic," senior co-captain Sydney Anderson said. "But if you can step that up another notch, that's our team (now)."

davehoufek@dailynebraskan.com