Central Michigan University Athletics
Volleyball Looks Forward To New NCAA Rule
8/21/2002 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Aug. 21, 2002
MOUNT PLEASANT-The position of a libero has been adopted into NCAA volleyball for the 2002 season and the Central Michigan University volleyball team is preparing for the rule change.
The libero is a designated back-row player, intended to be used as a ball-control specialist. The libero is allowed to replace any player in the back row without counting as a substitution. There is no limit to the number of libero replacements a team is allowed. The libero is not allowed to serve or attack the ball.
Senior defensive specialist Michelle Yother (Battle Creek/Lansing CC) agrees that the rule change will help the team. "Having a libero at all times will improve our passing to set up our offense to win more points," said Yother. "The new position will set up faster attacks."
Freshman defensive specialist Ali McCrite (New Albany, Ind./Providence) was a libero for her club team, Derby City. "I like the rule because you get more time on the court as a defensive specialist," said McCrite. "The pressure will be on for the libero to cover the back-row corners at this level."
Senior defensive specialist Jennifer Brink (Muskegon/Northwood) agrees that the libero will supply more consistent passing. "The defensive specialists are able to focus on passing in practice and less on serving and attacking," said Brink.
Head coach Elaine Piha believes that the new rule will produce longer rallies and put more pressure on the middle hitters. "The better passing will give our middles more opportunities to hit the ball," said Piha. "It's a definite improvement to the game and will make the defense fun to watch."
The CMU setters will also benefit from the libero position.
"It makes our job easier to have a consistent passer in the back row at all times," said junior setter Shaleene Glombowski (Marysville/Same).
Redshirt freshman and setter Jaimeson Whitman (Midland/Same) also agrees with the defensive change. "Having the libero will keep a quicker tempo and defense," said Whitman.
The Chippewas have already experienced the change in spring matches and will put the new rule to the test when CMU hosts the Chippewa/Comfort Inn Classic on August 30-31 in Rose Arena.
