Editor’s Note: Sixth 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 — To fill the vital role of libero in 2007, the Tigers will have several solid options that will all battle for the starting position, while seeing action throughout the season since the LSU coaching staff believes the play of the serve receivers is essential for the team’s success.
“All three are trying to step in to take over ball control after losing Kassi Mikulik,” LSU head coach Fran Flory said of the competition at the libero position. “That will be a huge deal for the success of this team.”
After seeing action as a defensive specialist and for her serving over her first three seasons, Michelle Hensgens (Morgan City, La.) returns as the only LSU senior in 2007 after showing continued progress and development. The quintessential student-athlete, Hensgens is a player who truly epitomizes what it means to be a Tiger.
“Michelle has probably been the most dependable, hardest working and most loyal player on this team for the last three years,” said Flory. “We look for her to have a great senior year. She is the prototypical student-athlete. She is balanced in all ways. She is a great leader with great insight and somebody who has become very reliable on the court in her passing and defensive game.”
Elena Martinez (New Orleans, La.) was a key defender in the Tiger lineup last year after seeing limited action as a freshman due to an injury. An outstanding natural defender, the junior averaged almost two digs a game while adding 10 service aces a year ago and continues to improve in other aspects of her game.
“Elena is probably the best defender I’ve ever coached,” said Flory. “Her ball control and serve receive has improved and continues to improve. Her strength is her ability to read hitters and make outstanding plays. I think she developed a much higher level of discipline with an understanding of the system and understanding of her responsibilities. She became and will be a vital part of handing the ball in the fall.”
A final addition to the 2007 roster is another outstanding local product in Haley Reuther from New Orleans. The 2006 Miss Louisiana Volleyball comes in as a converted outside hitter and was the most valuable player in the Louisiana All-Star game.
“Haley is just a smooth, talented, agile kid who is really an outside hitter but will be a defensive specialist for us,” said Flory. “Potentially she could see some outside hitting time, especially in practice. She is just a fighter and a competitive, Louisiana-type kid who will just get after it. She will be a great addition.”
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.