Tonight in Rec Hall, the Penn State women's volleyball team begins its quest for a fourth consecutive Big Ten title when it takes on rival Ohio State. Last season, the Nittany Lions went undefeated in the conference, but this year brings new challenges. Gone are some familiar faces, while some new names have been thrust into the spotlight. It's never easy to win a Big Ten volleyball title, but Penn State has made a habit of it. Here's a look at some of this year's nationally ranked Big Ten conference teams.
No. 2 Penn State (11-0)
Last season: 31-3, 20-0 Big Ten (1st place); lost in NCAA Sweet 16 to Tennessee
Players to watch: sophomores OH Nicole Fawcett, MH Christa Harmotto, freshmen OH Megan Hodge and S Alisha Glass
In short: The Lions certainly have the potential to win their fourth Big Ten title in a row. In addition to returning three All-Big Ten players -- Fawcett, Harmotto and junior middle hitter Melissa Walbridge -- from the team that cruised through the conference last season, they welcome arguably the top freshman class in the country. All four recruits were Players of the Year in their respective states. And Harmotto seems fully recovered from a season-ending knee injury in 2005.
Paired with the young talent, though, are question marks. Still to be determined are how Glass and Hodge will hold up over the course of a collegiate season. Though the setter and libero positions have been shored up of late, the Lions might miss departed setter Sam Tortorello and libero Kaleena Walters the most come playoff time.
No. 11 Purdue (10-1)
Last season: 25-9, 12-8 Big Ten (5th); lost in NCAA Sweet 16 to Washington (National champion)
Players to watch: junior OH Samantha Mader, sophomores MH Stephanie Lynch and OH Danita Merlau
In short: Though the Boilermakers lost only one starter from last season, it was a big one. Setter Renata Dargan, an All-Big Ten pick last year, leaves West Lafayette, Ind., and her team inexperienced at a crucial position. But back are six other starters, including 2005 Big Ten All-Freshman performers Lynch and Merlau.
The combination of Merlau and Mader swinging from outside hitters should provide Purdue with a strong left side attack, while freshman setter Sam Gray, a Volleyball Magazine Fab 50 selection, and senior Lindsay Shondell, will direct the offense.
No. 12 Ohio State (10-0)
Last season: 22-9, 14-6 Big Ten (t-3rd); lost in NCAA second round
Players to watch: senior S Marisa Main, junior MH Danielle Meyer and freshman OH Anna Szerszen.
In short: Along with Main and Meyer, both of whom were All-Big Ten and All-America selections last season, the Buckeyes are bringing in a strong recruiting class. Headlined by middle hitters Kristen Dozier, who was named Washington, D.C. Player of the Year and Meghan Simons, a Volleyball Magazine Fab 50 selection have already jumped in and made contributions. Szerszen was captain of the French Junior National Team.
But in the world of Big Ten women's volleyball, it isn't good to be Ohio State. The Buckeyes have finished in the top four for the past five seasons, tying for third in 2005 and tying for second in 2004 and rank third in Big Ten match winning percentage over the past 16 seasons (.658). But they have won only three conference titles in that time.
No. 14 Wisconsin (8-2)
Last season: 26-7, 15-5 (2nd); lost in NCAA Elite Eight
Players to watch: junior MH Taylor Reineke and sophomore Opp. Audra Jeffers
In short: After a second place finish in the conference, the Badgers went deeper into the NCAA Tournament than any other Big Ten team last year. But after losing two-time All-Big Ten middle hitter Sheila Shaw, who ranked third in conference blocks per game (1.49), their middle will be inexperienced, which could spell disaster against middle-rich teams like Penn State and Ohio State.
They do return four offensive starters and their libero, which includes Reineke, an All-Big Ten selection last year, and Jeffers, a Big Ten All-Freshman pick. Wisconsin has also been peppered with a tough pre-Big Ten schedule and should benefit from it in the long-term.
No. 19 Michigan (13-0)
Last season: 13-16, 7-13 Big Ten (t-7th)
Players to watch: junior OH Katie Bruzdzinski, junior MH Lyndsay Miller, sophomore Lib. Kerry Hance.
In short: The Wolverines are off to an impressive start after a less than stellar '05 campaign and have reached their highest national rank since early in the 2000 season. The core of last year's team is back and more experienced. Bruzdzinksi led Michigan in kills the past two seasons, and Miller led in blocks last year.
Despite their notable non-conference record, history reveals that Michigan is a step below the Big Ten elite. Since head coach Mark Rosen took over in 1999, the Wolverines have not finished better than fifth in the conference. But this could be the year they break through.
*OH - outside hitter, MH - middle hitter, S - setter, Opp. - opposite, Lib - libero
Compiled by Corey McLaughlin and Compiled by Corey McLaughlin and Mark Viera
