Belles bring young squad to the court
By KATIE McVOY
Assistant Sports Editor
The Saint Mary's volleyball team, under the direction of head coach Julie Schroeder-Biek is a very young, but very enthusiastic team.
"The volleyball team is so young this year after graduating most of the squad," said atheltic director Lynn Kachmarik. "But we are excited about this team and about its coach."
Schroeder-Biek is returning to Saint Mary's after taking three seasons off. Schroeder-Biek acted as head volleyball coach for the 1991-1996 seasons. Schroeder-Biek is a 1988 alumnae of the college.
"We are so excited to have an alumnae for a coach again," Kachmarik said.
Schroeder-Biek won't be the only change in the squad from last year.
The Belles graduated most of their starting squad this past year, leaving only a small but solid nucleus of players. Saint Mary's, which made it to the conference semi-finals last year, will have to use this year as a rebuilding year unless the freshmen step up.
"The team will have a lot of work to do with young players," Kachmarik said. "But they're enthusiastic and they do have a solid core."
The Belles are returning only four players — senior defensive specialist Victoria Butcko, junior outside attacker Angie Meyers, junior middle Jolie LeBeau, and junior setter Jaime Dineen.
Saint Mary's is looking for a solid freshman class to help support the team.
"We're hoping for a quality group of women to help this team," Kachmarik said. "It's important to this season's success."
The Belles, who have seven home matches this year, are looking for continued support from the Saint Mary's community.
"We're really hoping to improve student support from last season," Kachmarik commented.
Saint Mary's will open its 2000 season with a tournament at Alma College, a league foe, on Sept. 1-2.
All Sports Stories for Saturday, August 19, 2000
