Bellevue volleyball coach Trish Siedlik likes not having a superstar.
"I've coached teams that don't have huge super studs, and we seem to jell much better that way,'' she said. "Everybody rises to the occasion.''
The Bruins have a lot more depth than in the past, and many of those players will see some action as Bellevue moves through its Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference schedule.
The MCAC has been divided into two divisions, with Bellevue in the North with York College, College of St. Mary and Central Christian. The Bruins will play each of those teams twice and those in the South Division once. Perennial power College of the Ozarks is in the South.
Although none of the teams in the North Division beside No. 15 Bellevue is ranked, Siedlik said each match will be a learning experience, including Tuesday's match at York (11-7, 3-0).
The Bruins are aiming for their fourth straight trip to nationals, and Siedlik wants to get as many players as possible on the court to further bolster Bellevue's depth.
"We're confident going in with starters, but you are only as good as the weakest players on the team,'' Siedlik said.
The Bruins (15-4, 4-0) are winners of 11 straight matches after a tough early slate that included five matches against teams in the NAIA Top 25. Although they went 1-4 against those squads, Siedlik said the experience will pay off down the road.
Hitters Maureen Wardian and Kali Schnacker have led the way, but Siedlik said she's getting much more consistent play from setter Jordan Broady, increasing the team's numbers for set assists and hitting per game. She's got more power with outside hitters Annie Benson and Sunny Bell and backups Caitlyn Rueth and Niki Gregory.
Libero Meghan Evans and defensive player Mollie Gavin, a transfer from Evangel, are working well together in the back.
The whole team entered the season in stronger shape than ever before thanks to a Nebraska volleyball connection. Assistant Matt Buttermore, who is in charge of offseason conditioning, is married to former Husker standout Laura Pilakowski. Her tips have made a big difference.
"They look in shape and much more powerful with jumps and strength on the court than past years,'' Siedlik said. "They came in every single day this summer. They made a huge commitment, and it's paying off right now.''
GPAC stars are injured
Last week's Great Plains Athletic Conference co-offensive players of the week were both injured on Saturday.
Nebraska Wesleyan quarterback Nate Hauptman broke his collarbone in the first half of a 27-3 loss to Doane.
Tiger running back Alex Dose injured his leg and won't play in Saturday's 1 p.m. showdown with visiting Midland University. Coach Matt Franzen said he hoped to have him back the next week for another big game with Morningside.
Franzen said Clayton Moore, a freshman from Friend, Neb., and Tyler Davis, a junior from Millard West, played well against Wesleyan in his place.
"We'll tag team and tandem with those guys,'' he said.
Doane is in first place in the GPAC at 4-0 and 3-0. Midland is 3-1 and 2-1.
Updates
• The football game between Chadron State and the University of Nebraska at Kearney on Oct. 8 will be shown at noon on NET1 and NET-HD.
"This is potentially the last football game played between the two schools, and so I'm excited this game and rivalry is getting the exposure it deserves," Chadron State Athletic Director Brad Smith said.
The Lopers are leaving the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference for the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association next year.
• Longtime Wayne State track and field and cross country coach Dr. LeRoy Simpson, 76, passed away earlier this month in Colorado Springs, Colo., after battling leukemia.
Simpson coached and taught at Wayne from 1968 until his retirement in 1997. He started the women's track program at WSC, served as an assistant football coach for three seasons and was athletic director.
• Wayne State's home game Saturday with Southwest Minnesota State will be played at 4 p.m. Some schedules and posters have the game listed at 6 p.m.
Wayne enters the game 3-1 and 3-0 in the NSIC. Southwest Minnesota State is 1-3 and 0-3.
Contact the writer:
402-444-1034, marjie.ducey@owh.com
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