Editor’s Note: Fourth in a series of 12 volleyball articles recapping the outstanding 2006 season, previewing the 2007 season, giving fans basic volleyball rules, terminology and scoring basics leading up to the season-opening Mizuno Tiger Classic tournament in the Maravich Center on Aug. 24-25.
BATON ROUGE — In 2007, the Tigers have several options along the right side this season, including the option of Marina Skender returning to her more natural position while also bringing in a pair of players who have the ability to contribute immediately.
In addition to action on the left side, Skender (Zagreb, Croatia) may also return to the position where she starred in 2005. In her freshman season, she recorded 2.82 kills per game with 0.90 blocks per game and 1.75 digs per game. Skender also recorded the second-best hitting percentage in LSU history with 20 or more attempts with a .700 clip against Auburn.
“Marina is a natural right side player and we’ve had to move her to the left side,” said LSU head coach Fran Flory. “We would love to have her on the right side and she will probably play right side at some point this year. She has the most upper arm ball control of any player I’ve coached. She has a very precise arm and a very frustrating player to play against.”
While developing in the middle, Tania Schatow (Fraser, Mich.) may have the opportunity to get on the court earlier in her career on the right side. Her exceptional blocking ability will provide a compliment to DeGirolamo and Cooper as Schatow is able to close the block.
“On the right side Tania’s blocking ability is outstanding,” said Flory. “She’s a natural blocker and that gives her an opportunity to get on the court a little faster with Brittnee and Lauren. She’s also very good offensively behind the setter, so she definitely has the opportunity to be on the court on the right side early.”
One of the most heralded volleyball players to come out of Baton Rouge in many years, Brittney Johnson will likely provide the Tigers with an option both as a setter and on the right side. The three-time all-state selection and the Baton Rouge Advocate’s “Star of Stars” for volleyball, she was both a setter and an attacker as University High School advanced to the state semifinals last year.
“Brittney will have a duel role probably,” said Flory. “She is a left-handed player who is very mobile offensively and has the ability to terminate. It will take her a little while to adjust to the physicality of college game, but once she gets there, she will be a terminator. We are excited about the dimension she’s going to add as a lefty on the right side.”
The team will open the season on Aug. 24 against New Orleans in the Maravich Center in the Mizuno Tiger Classic at 7 p.m. The Tigers will then take on Louisiana-Monroe on Aug. 25 at 11 a.m. before closing out the two-day tournament against Saint Louis at 7 p.m. Admission to all volleyball matches is only $5 for adults and $3 for children. Team posters and schedule cards will be available to pick up throughout the tournament.