In this issue

Announcements

Get To Know The Gophers

Upcoming Match Previews

National Rankings

National Update

Big Ten Update

Lot’s O’ Links

Contact Us

Coach’s Corner

Hello everyone. It's time for Big Ten Volleyball! And we open with the Badgers at home this Friday night. Can it get any better?

But first, let's take a look back at the pre-conference schedule and evaluate the Gophers' progress.

It's no secret that we played a tough schedule. But in my opinion this is the only way you can learn anything about your team. You have to be pushed, and pushed hard. Easy victories tend to hide your team's vulnerabilities and you end up with an inflated sense of your abilities.

Over the past month we have learned the following:

1. We are competitive with everyone. Only Penn State, Washington and Texas seem to be a little beyond our reach at this point.

2. Our middle attack has become a strength.

3. We are still a solid block and defend team.

4. Our setting is in good hands (pun!).

5. Our team offense is more efficient than in 2008.

On the "vulnerability" side of the ledger we have discovered the following:

1. We have to improve our passing.

2. Our left side hitting has to become more consistent.

3. We have to get out to quicker starts in each set.

4. We need to be more competitive in the fifth set.

5. Our setter location and tempo must improve.

The good news is that all of these things are fixable. And that is what will occupy our attention this week.

And finally, I am pleased with how the team has played up to this point. It is difficult to incorporate eight new players onto a team. It takes time for everyone to get on the same page. There will be good moments and bad.
It is a process and something we will get through. I like this team. I hope that you will too!

See you at the Pavilion this weekend.

From Coach Hebert:

Head Coach – Minnesota Volleyball

From the Golddiggers’ President

From Larry Mickelson:

Summer is, according to the calendar, over and that means the Big Ten volleyball season is upon us.

Most of us have only had the opportunity to see the team in person the one weekend of the Diet Coke Classic. Great way to open the home season, for sure! But we may still need a program to identify all the new players! Welcome Taylor, Megan, Jess, Mia, Tabi, Brianna, Katherine, and Jasmine to the Gopher volleyball family! We look forward to seeing you play this year and in years to come.

Big weekend coming up with Wisconsin and Iowa. Jumping right into the season with two border battle matches. A fun way to open the Big Ten season.

Something to keep in mind this year. Minnesota is the “odd” team this year, meaning they do not have a travel partner. For each team Minnesota plays this year it will be their only match of the weekend while the Gophers will have two matches to play and for which to prepare. This is another challenge for the team but I am confident the players and coaching staff will be able to work through this challenge.

I hope you are able to attend our post-match receptions this year. It is a great way to enhance your Golddigger membership, meet new friends, get to know the team, and a great way to end a volleyball weekend. In addition, this year members who are in attendance will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for the two premium seats the club has purchased. In addition to seating on the court, the seats also include free parking, entrance to a pre-match reception in the Pavilion Club Room, and a chalk talk from Coach Hebert. What a way to enjoy the match! I sat in the premium section for the Diet Coke and it was a great time. I hope you are fortunate to enjoy the experience this year.

I look forward to meeting or seeing you all this year. 2009 has the potential to be a very special year and I am glad you will be a part of it.

Until then, keep your feet on the ground, your ears pointed skyward and I’ll……

See you at the PAV!

Point U!

Larry Mickelson, President, Golddiggers

Announcements

BUS TRIP TO MADISON!!!

We are in the midst of planning a day trip to Madison to watch the Gophers take on the Wisconsin Badgers on Sunday, November 15^th. We will leave early Sunday morning and return Sunday evening. Cost for the trip and ticket is $35/person. See JT or Larry to reserve your spot today! Or, since we are becoming high-tech, go to the web site and sign up there!

+ + +

OHIO STATE MATCH MOVED TO 6:00 PM

Minnesota’s match versus Ohio State on Friday, October 9^th, has been moved to 6:00 PM to accommodate the homecoming parade. Please plan accordingly.

+ + +

CHALK TALKS

Scott Swanson will be holding “Chalk Talks” before the following matches. This is a great opportunity to understand more about the game and how the Gophers plan to attack and defend the upcoming opponents! Chalk Talks are held from 5:15 – 6:00 in the Williams Arena Media Room (located one floor down from the Williams Arena Club Room). To attend, enter the Daily Entrance on the University Ave side of the Pav and head down the Williams Arena concourse. Be prepared to show your ticket but do not get rid of it as you will need it to return to the Pav.

Chalk Talk dates are:

Saturday, September 26 (Iowa)

Sunday, October 11 (Penn State) 11:15 – 12:00

Saturday, October 24 (Michigan)

Sunday, November 8 (Purdue) 11:15 – 12:00

Saturday, November 28 (Illinois)

+ + +

MEMBERSHIP PACKETS

We will be putting together the membership packets. A little delayed since the team has been on the road quite a bit. We will have them available for the Big Ten opener vs. Wisconsin

+ + +

RECEPTIONS

We will be hosting a post-match reception this Saturday, September 26^th, following the Iowa match. Future post-match reception dates are:

Sunday, October 11 – Penn State

Saturday, October 24 – Michigan (Williams Arena Club Room)

Sunday, November 8 – Purdue

Saturday, November 28 - Illinois

+ + +

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Your board of director officers are: Larry Mickelson (president), Betty Cipperly (Vice-President), Sharon Manninen (Secretary), and JT (Treasurer). Members at large are Nathan Agre, Dean Christensen, Lisa Dickman, Katie Harms, Dave Manninen, Lon Ortner, Hamlin Sjoberg, and DuAnn Thompson. The student rep is Matt Spillner.

+ + +

Also, we would very much like to hear from YOU! Former Gophers, out-of-town members, Hollywood celebrities -- whomever -- please email us at the address below, let us know what you are up to, pass on suggestions or questions for the Point U!(betcha), or hammer the coaching staff for their time-out usage -- it’s up to you. The coaching staff has also generously offered to answer questions submitted to them through this newsletter. We look forward to all your input.

Meet the Gophers

Katherine Harms

1. Describe your recruiting experience and how you became a Gopher.

Well I never really thought that I would play college volleyball. Not because I didn’t think I was good enough, but because I was too young to think about college. The U of M gave me their card when I was only fifteen and I didn’t think that they were serious. I started going to games and meeting the coaches and on my first unofficial visit I fell in love and I just knew that it was the right college for me and it was what I wanted to do.

2. What areas of your game do you feel you need to work on to be effective in the college game?

I defiantly know I need to work on my block skills and although my defense is getting better there is still improvements I can make and lastly my ball control could get better so I have a better feel and touch on the ball.

3. What are your volleyball goals this year?

To make a difference and help the team to the best I can whether it’s on the court or not.

4. What has been your favorite moment during fall practice thus far?

Just all the bonding has been so fun and getting to know the girls really well. But if I had to pick one thing I would have to say when we went to underwater world and hung out at the Mall of America together!

5. When did you start playing volleyball and what made you decide you wanted to pursue volleyball as your primary sport?

I started playing volleyball in sixth grade in middle school and then played my first year of club when I was 14 years old. I always played many sports so I really didn’t know I love volleyball as much as I did till I started getting recruited and realized I could play volleyball for a lot longer than just high school.

6. Have you decided on a field of study at Minnesota? If so, what is it?

I have decided that I was to go into biomedical engineering. It sounds intense, I know, but it combines calculus, chemistry, biology, all the things I love and has lots of things you can go in to after college such as medical school.

Five quick questions:

1. Favorite food – raspberries

2. Place you most want to visit – Australia

3. Favorite Actor? Actress? – Julia Roberts

4. Something about me people would be surprised to know – I have horrible eye sight

5. What I would do if I had a free day – sleep, sleep, sleep

Tabi Love

1. What were the primary factors in choosing MN as your school?

Out of the top three schools I considered attending, Minnesota was the closest to home - this was a major factor for me, as I wanted my family to be able to attend games and be a part of the experience.
Minnesota is also in a great conference, and is very strong academically. Mike and the rest of the coaching staff are also really great.

2. What areas of your game do you feel you need to work on to be effective in the college game?

I need to hit harder and become a better blocker. Eventually I hope to be able to play all the way around, but right now those are my major concerns.

3. What type of town/city is Dauphin?

Dauphin is a very rural town, mostly known for its agricultural contributions. There are about 7-8,000 people, one high school, and a Wal-mart! It is a very tight-knit community.

4. What are you early impressions of the team?

I think we have the potential to be amazing. We are athletic, we have size, and we have heart. When we are on, we are unstoppable.

5. When did you start playing volleyball and what made you decide you wanted to pursue volleyball as your primary sport?

I started playing volleyball in grade 6. I did not pursue it over any other sport until my commitment to come to the University of Minnesota. I enjoyed playing several sports, and I feel that they made me a better all around athlete.

6. Have you decided on a field of study at Minnesota? If so, what is it?

I want to pursue Marine Biology, but because of geography, I will not be able to complete that major here. I plan to finish with a major in biology then I will complete grad school elsewhere.

Five quick questions:

1. Favorite food – Watermelon

2. Place you most want to visit – Italy

3. Favorite Actor? Actress? – Patrick Dempsey

4. Something about me people would be surprised to know – I cannot "speak Canadian"

5. What I would do if I had a free day – go to the beach - I miss the sun!!

Mia Tabberson

1. You committed to the Gophers rather early. Tell us what were the primary factors in choosing Minnesota. How many visits did you make to Minnesota?

I knew I wanted to stay in the Big 10 conference. After looking at about 5 of the Big 10 schools I visited the University of Minnesota and everything just felt perfect. The campus was great! The girls and coaching staff were very welcoming. I love that the U is set in an urban environment and the school has notable academics as well. Prior to committing I think I made three visits to campus.

2. Your Munciana club has some unique team names – Chipmunks, Landsharks, Dart Frogs, and your Samuari. How did the club come up with those names?

Munciana has had these names since it was first established in the seventies. Each name has its own story. For example, the 12-1 team the Peppers was named after the head coach’s dog. The 18-1 team is named Samurai because of the samurai warriors and their incredible commitment, training, and family like bond between the men.

3. You were playing on your club’s 18’s team as a 16 year old. How do you think playing against older players has prepared you for the college game?

Playing on the 18’s team was the greatest decision I ever made for my volleyball career. Playing up is a HUGE benefit because each match you are playing the best competition possible. The 18’s level is a totally different speed than any other club division and it is the closest to the college game. This difference forced me to think the game through mentally at a higher level, work on my defensive and blocking skills off of balls hit much higher and harder, and also become comfortable setting the tempo of offense needed to be successful at the college level.

4. What, if any, adjustments, physical or mental, have you had to make so far?

The biggest adjustment I have had to make was mental. The college game is one step faster than club so I have to be able to think one step ahead. Here the offensive systems are a little more complex and the back row set is a viable option on in system passes, this is something new that I have needed to adjust to.

5. When did you start playing volleyball and what made you decide you wanted to pursue volleyball as your primary sport?

I started playing volleyball with my elementary physical education teacher (who was also our high school volleyball coach) in first grade during free day Fridays. He would toss me balls to pass and set, this is where I first learned the fundamentals of volleyball. Throughout elementary and middle school I attempted to play volleyball, soccer, basketball, and run track and cross country while taking dance and piano lessons as well. When I got into high school I decided to focus on volleyball singularly. I made this decision because our high school team was very successful (my senior year was our 20^th state title) and I had the most fun playing volleyball.

6. Have you decided on a field of study at Minnesota? If so, what is it?

Right now I am planning on majoring in elementary education with a possible minor in child psychology.

Five quick questions:

1. Favorite food – berries

2. Place you most want to visit – England

3. Favorite Actor? Actress? – Denzel Washington and Blake Lively

4. Something about me people would be surprised to know – I love to cook

5. What I would do if I had a free day – I would go to the beach, go on a morning jog, then read the rest of the day, and then finish by making a sand castle at sunset.

Upcoming Match Previews

Wisconsin

Coach: Pete Waite (11^th year at WI; 22^nd year overall)

Record: 5-4

The Big Ten coaches picked the Badgers to finish 5^th in the Big Ten this season. They have had an up and down season thus far, beating Oregon State and New Mexico State but losing to Duke and Ohio at home.

Wisconsin relies heavily on senior, and pre-season all-conference selection, Brittany Dolgner (#7). Dolgner is a six foot outside hitter and leads the team in kills with 100, averaging 3.57 kills per set (kps). Allison Wack (#11) and Kirby Toon (#1) have shared the other outside hitting position but have not been very effective. Toon leads the team in attempts but is only hitting .092. Wack is not much better at .102. The Badger setter is sophomore Janelle Gabrielson (#6). Kim Kuzma (#2) is the Badger libero, averaging 3.68 digs per set. The Badger block is led by two middle blockers, 6’3” red-shirt freshman Kelsey Maloney (#8) and 6’6” sophomore Elle Ohlander (#18). Maloney averages 1.0 blocks per set and Ohlander averages 0.74 bps.

Notes: Like MN, the Badgers are well represented by their home state with 10 native Wisconsinites (Wisconsinonians?) on the roster. The Badgers have only two seniors on their roster.

Iowa

Coach: Sharon Dingman (2^nd year at IA; 18^th overall)

Record: 8-4

The Hawkeyes got out to a quick start with six straight wins to start the season but have lost four of their last six including four set matches to Iowa State and Army. They will open their Big Ten season on Wednesday against Wisconsin.

Iowa will be led by senior OH Megan Schipper (#15) who leads the team in kills, attempts, and errors. She has 151 kills thus far but has taken 486 swings to get there for a hitting average of .158. The most efficient hitter for the Hawkeyes is Aimee Huffman (#13), a junior right side hitter who is hitting at a .285 clip with 116 kills. Running the offense is Mara Hilgenberg (#21), a junior setter. Christina Meister (#4) anchors the back row defense.

Notes: Like Wisconsin in their home state, Iowa features 10 home grown players. Mara Hilgenberg is the daughter of Jay Hilgenberg who played center for the 1985 Super Bowl Champions Chicago Bears.

National Rankings

Week of September 21, 2009

Rank	School (First-Place Votes)	Total Points	2009 Record	Last Week
1	Penn State (50)	1487	12-0	1
2	Texas (7)	1439	7-0	2
3	Washington (3)	1394	10-0	3
4	Hawai'i	1295	9-2	4
5	Florida	1243	6-1	5
6	Nebraska	1143	9-2	8
7	Oregon	1070	10-0	12
8	Michigan	1015	12-1	6
9	Minnesota	955	9-3	9
10	Stanford	943	7-3	11
11	Iowa State	933	9-2	10
12	California	839	7-3	13
13	Southern California	769	11-1	15
14	UCLA	756	10-3	7
15	Illinois	732	8-1	14
16	Michigan State	574	12-0	17
17	Kentucky	463	11-1	16
18	Florida State	450	9-1	19
19	Arizona	382	11-0	21
20	Wichita State	346	11-1	20
21	UC Irvine	277	10-2	18
22	San Diego	261	7-3	23
23	Saint Louis	227	7-5	22
24	Baylor	163	12-1	24
25	Long Beach State	106	7-3	NR

Others Receiving Votes and appearing on two or more ballots: Pepperdine 32; Texas A&M 29; Notre Dame 26; Oregon State 21; Purdue 21; Dayton 18; UC Santa Barbara 16; LSU 14; Duke 11; St. Mary's (Ca.) 10; Colorado State 9; Washington State 6; Kansas State 4; Northern Iowa 4; Rice 2

National Update

Penn State – started the season ranked number one and has cruised through a fairly easy non-conference schedule. They will open their B10 season at Northwestern and Illinois. A stiff challenge could await them at Huff Hall for the Illinois match.

Texas – some feel that Texas should be the number one team and they have been playing like they want to prove that point. Their non-conference record includes wins over California, St. Louis, and Hawaii. They opened their Big Twelve season with straight set wins over #24 Baylor and #11 Iowa State. Up next for the Longhorns are trips to Colorado and Nebraska.

Washington – the Huskies have yet to drop a set this year although their matches against Minnesota and Florida have been their only opponents ranked in the top 25. Things could get a little tougher this weekend as they travel to Oregon for a pair of matches against Oregon and Oregon State.

Hawaii – the Rainbow Wahine have had one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the country. This was offset by all non-conference matches being held on their home court. They have had impressive victories over UCLA and Stanford but did lose to Texas and California. The Hawaii fans have been bragging up the UCLA and Stanford victories while downplaying the Texas and Cal victories. With good reason. They need to brag upon those matches come NCAA seeding time as their toughest completion the remainder of the regular season could be their alumnae match. They will not face a top 25 team until the NCAA tourney. Up next for the Wahine are Boise State and Idaho.

Florida – after the top four positions, the rest of the top ten is a muddle. Florida occupies the fifth position this week but they are still difficult to figure. They did beat Stanford but took five to beat in-state rival, Florida State, lost a set to South Florida, and were crushed by Washington. They will host Mississippi State and Alabama this weekend before facing what could be their toughest conference challenger in Kentucky the following weekend.

Nebraska – the Huskers are no longer, at this time, feared. They were swept by Michigan in the season opener in a match where they looked lost and confused and lost at home against UCLA. Much of this could be due to the fact they are breaking in a number of new players and it is quite possible they will pull it together come tourney time. But they face a tough weekend as they travel to Texas A&M and host Texas.

Oregon – the Ducks jumped five spots this week based upon their win over Minnesota this past weekend. Minnesota was the only top 25 opponent they faced in the pre-season and their competition definitely steps up a level this weekend as they host Washington State and Washington. Good opportunity for the Ducks to make a statement that they belong.

Michigan – the Wolverines were cruising, opening with an impressive wins over Nebraska and Kansas State and followed that up with nice wins over Tennessee and Notre Dame. However, they stubbed their toe this past weekend with a home loss to Oregon State. The Wolverines have good size and experience and, possibly, the best setter in the country in Lexi Zimmerman. They open their B10 season with road trips to Indiana and Purdue.

Minnesota -

Stanford – not used to seeing Stanford this low, are you! It has been a rough start for Stanford thus far with straight set losses to Notre Dame and Hawaii and really no significant victories to date. Rumors have it that Alix Klineman is suffering from a sore shoulder and, if true, this could be a difficult hurdle to overcome. They will open their Pac 10 season against their rival from across the bay, California. They will follow that up with a trip to the City of Angels the following weekend as they will face USC and UCLA.

Big10 Update

The standings:

	Big Ten		Overall
Team	Record	Pct.	Record	Pct.
Michigan State	0-0	.000	12-0	1.000
Penn State	0-0	.000	12-0	1.000
Ohio State	0-0	.000	12-1	.923
Michigan	0-0	.000	12-1	.923
Illinois	0-0	.000	8-1	.889
Indiana	0-0	.000	11-3	.786
Northwestern	0-0	.000	9-3	.750
Minnesota	0-0	.000	9-3	.750
Purdue	0-0	.000	8-3	.727
Iowa	0-0	.000	8-4	.667
Wisconsin	0-0	.000	5-4	.556

Illinois

Some consider the Illini as the second best team in the conference and they were ranked #8 at one time. Then they lost to Florida State and were absolutely hammered by the AVCA voters who dropped them to #14 the following week. The FSU loss remains the only blemish for Illinois but the voters are not impressed has they have dropped another spot to 15 this week. They have an opportunity to make an impression as they host Ohio State and Penn State.

http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/w-volley/ill-w-volley-body.html (website)

http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/w-volley/mtt/ill-w-volley-mtt.html (roster)

http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/w-volley/spec-rel/ill-w-volley-CumulativeStats.html (stats)

Indiana

The 11-3 Hoosiers will host Michigan and Michigan State this weekend.

http://iuhoosiers.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/ind-w-volley-body.html (website)

http://iuhoosiers.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/mtt/ind-w-volley-mtt.html (roster)

http://iuhoosiers.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/stats/2009-2010/teamcume.html (stats)

Iowa

See “Upcoming Match Previews”

http://www.hawkeyesports.com/sports/w-volley/iowa-w-volley-body-main.html (website)

http://www.hawkeyesports.com/sports/w-volley/mtt/iowa-w-volley-mtt.html (roster)

http://www.hawkeyesports.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/iowa/sports/w-volley/auto_pdf/cumulative-stats (stats)

Michigan

See “National Update”

http://www.mgoblue.com/section_display.cfm?section_id=201&top=2&level=2 (website)

http://www.mgoblue.com/roster.cfm?section_id=340&top=2&level=3 (roster)

http://www.mgoblue.com/statistics.cfm?section_id=343&top=2&level=3 (stats)

Michigan State

The 12-0 and #16 ranked Spartans will travel to Indiana and Purdue this weekend. They opened the season with an impressive five set victory over USC.

http://msuspartans.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/msu-w-volley-body.html (website)

http://msuspartans.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/mtt/msu-w-volley-mtt.html (roster)

http://msuspartans.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/stats/2007-2008/teamcume.html (stats)

Northwestern

The 9-3 Wildcats finished their non-conference schedule with a nice win over Cincinnati. Up next, Ohio State and Penn State.

http://nusports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/nw-w-volley-body.html (website)

http://nusports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/nw-w-volley-body.html (roster)

http://nusports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/stats/2007-2008/teamstat.html (stats)

Ohio State

The 12-1 Buckeyes will travel to Northwestern and Illinois.

http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17300&KEY=&SPID=10410&SPSID=89326 (website) http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17300&KEY=&SPID=10410&SPSID=89323 (roster)

http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17300&KEY=&SPID=10410&SPSID=89325 (stats)

Penn State

See “National Update”

http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/psu-w-volley-body.html (website)

http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/mtt/psu-w-volley-mtt.html (roster)

http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/stats/2007-2008/teamcume.html (stats)

Purdue

The Boilermakers opened the season with three straight tournaments and went 2-1 in each. Their losses weren’t “bad” – Dayton, Baylor, and Kentucky. They open the B10 season hosting Michigan and Michigan State.