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Promising Season for Vikings Volleyball Team
CHICAGO, IL (August 26, 2005) - The North Park University volleyball team has
an excellent opportunity of breaking into the important top four of the
College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW), says Coach Susan
Zimmer.
The top four teams earn home court advantage in the conference
tournament, Zimmer explains.
Great depth and the promise of incoming freshmen have Zimmer excited
about the season. "I think it's the most depth we've ever had," says
Zimmer, who is entering her ninth year as coach. Six seniors and four
juniors are returning to the 16-person roster. Three sophomores and
three freshmen also are expected to make significant contributions.
Players who stayed healthy during the injury-plagued season last year
had to learn different positions, which made for a tough season. That
experience will pay off, however, for the Vikings this year. "We're
three to four deep in every position," Zimmer says. She also loves their
attitude, adding, "They're definitely hungry."
Senior and co-captain Shannon Zoll is returning after leading the team
in kills with 389 last year. Zoll received an honorable mention to the
All-Conference team for her efforts. The outside hitter also was the
team's player of the week four times in the 2004 season.
The other senior and co-captain, Amanda Phoenix, was honored with the
Viking Award last year for her team leadership and work ethic. She is
expected to again bring the same leadership and strength to the middle
hitter position.
Zimmer also is impressed with the incoming freshman class. Setter
Vanessa Davis brings a history of winning, having played with Morgan
Park High School, which won the city championship three of the last four
years. She also was twice named player of the week.
Juliann Plimpton comes to North Park as a middle and outside hitter. A
graduate of Rapid River High School in Gladstone, Michigan, Plimpton
earned All-Region and All-Conference honors in 2004.
Two of last year's top players are returning to help coach the team.
Eligibility expired for Amanda Klufetos, who was twice elected
All-Conference, and Jenny Williams graduated.
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