Ball State University women's volleyball coach Dave Boos goes into each match with a hole on his lineup card.
The second-year coach made defense a priority when recruiting for this year's team and now finds himself with three libero candidates that are ready to play at any point - and only one can play at a time.
"If we have someone not having a great night it's nice to know that we have another person that can step in," Boos said. "That's what it's been recently - you'll continue to see that position evolve throughout the season."
The three liberos - sophomore Alyssa Rio, freshmen Christie Waters and Kaylee Schembra - have been part of Ball State's surge from sixth overall in the Mid-American Conference in digs last season to third overall in 2008.
Boos said instead of sticking with one player in the spot he prefers evaluating who plays based on their execution through each practice and match.
"I think all of our liberos work incredibly hard - I don't think that's ever going to be a separating point for this unit," Boos said. "It's definitely going to be more about performance than it is about effort."
With a positive attitude from Rio, Waters and Schembra a "healthy competition" has developed to prove which player should gain libero bragging rights.
"I think it's healthy competition because you're wanting to show the coach that you can do this or that," said Waters, a four-time state champion from Burris Laboratory School in Muncie. "But I think we've all been doing pretty well and have been working hard and pushing each other."
Libero evolution
Cardinals assistant coach Marci Peniata knows a thing or two about the libero position.
Peniata, the 2006 Big Ten defensive player of the year and an All-American Honorable Mention libero while at the University of Minnesota, is in charge of overseeing the Ball State defensive back court.
Peniata said it takes a special athlete to play libero.
"Besides the setter, which is like the quarterback of the team, a libero is in charge of leading the back court of a team by communicating with the front row and back row players and making sure everybody is working within the system," Peniata said.
Peniata said she sees a fight every day for the libero spot.
"I think the competition has pushed them to higher limits and a higher level as players," she said. "It makes for a fun, competitive environment."
Boos said he encourages a competitive environment.
"I think that competition for positions is the cornerstone for a successful program," Boos said. "It is only making us better by competing in practice."
Different players, different talents
Boos has not been shy about pulling one libero for another this season - even between sets in a match when he thinks it is necessary.
He said serve reception is usually the main factor when deciding which libero plays.
"Right now with our passing game, when it's at a high level, we play at a high level," Boos said. "Sometimes we'll have a dip in our passing performance at the libero position, and we know that we have someone else that can step in that spot."
Rio, who is sixth in the MAC with 4.11 digs-per-set, said the three vying for the spot all bring something positive to the table.
"Kaylee is obviously really good at serve receive and she's quick because she's little," Rio said. "Christie is very loud and vocal on the court and also good at defense by reading where the hitters are trying to hit."
Both Waters and Schembra came into their freshmen campaigns impressed by Rio's experience on the court.
"Rio stands out with experience she has and how well she works with everyone on the court," said Schembra, a two-time All-State First Team selection from Roncalli High School in Indianapolis. "You can tell she has lots of experience."
"The fact that Rio has been here a year longer means that she knows more of the style of play and the moves that we do, and I think that really helps her," Waters said. "Her aggression towards every ball stands out and she's really good at reading the stuff that we do and pursuing after it."
The Cardinals (7-11, 3-1 MAC) go into Friday night's match against Northern Illinois University tied for first in the MAC West division.
With the recent success, chances are the Boos' lineup hole woes will continue.
Libero
- Must wear jersey that contrasts the rest of the team (shorts must match)
- Must play in the back row and may not attempt an attack or a block
- May substitute at any point for a defensive player in between points and does not count against a team's limited number of substitutions
Alyssa RioClass: SophomoreDigs: 275Digs per set: 4.11Key Attribute: Experience"[Rio] understands what we're doing, understands situations, she's been through the wars. We also relied on her a lot last year, so she's carried a big load for this program since she arrived, and so we know that in situations that we really need her to carry a load, she'll be able to do that for us." - Coach Dave Boos
Christie WatersClass: FreshmanDigs: 127Digs per set: 1.87Key Attribute: Attitude"Christie is a player with so much experience, with that winning aura around her that her teammates just feed off of. Her volleyball IQ and the wars she's been through in the high school and club ranks give her so much credibility with her teammates and it obviously shows in her performance." - Coach Dave Boos
Kaylee SchembraClass: FreshmanDigs: 174Digs per set: 2.81Key Attribute: Passing"Kaylee's biggest attribute is she's a very quick and dynamic athlete, and I think it really shows in her passing game. She's able to get herself to balls and serve receive that I think a lot of other players are going to struggle with." - Coach Dave Boos
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