The Communique

Issue date: 9/13/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Brandon Howard Hanna Bruns and Kirsten Smith block a Southeastern Community College spike.

Kirkwood Community College head volleyball coach Jill Williams knows that for her team to be successful this season, she's going to need big plays from her newcomers.

"Our team did not compete in the spring and we only have two returning players," Williams said. "We only have one returning starter."

Even though many of last year's players have moved on, according to Williams, the Eagles "have a very good nucleus."

"I think this will be a group that will be fun to watch," Williams said. "They are playing for Kirkwood and they realize that they have to work hard. They don't just come in and put on the Kirkwood jersey and become successful. They realize that they need to earn the respect of their fans and opponents."

The Eagles are earning that respect, match by match. They started off their 2007 campaign at the Kellogg tournament in Michigan and tournaments at John Wood in Quincy, Ill. and Iowa Lakes in Estherville. They are currently 4-7 overall and 1-0 in the conference. Williams said even when her team is down, they never give up.

The trait Williams admires most in her team is their enthusiasm and passion to play. "They are really working at it to get better; they realize how much work really needs to go into it."

For the volleyball team, it's especially hard adjusting to college life and starting to compete at a collegiate level at the same time. "These girls have to just jump in and go," Williams said.

Since there are only two returning players, Allison Nunnikhoven and Ashley Cox, Williams said she worked out with a very small group in the spring. "Allison and Ashley have an investment in the program. They bought into it," she said.

The Eagles get some experienced help from sophomore transfers Tiffany Anderson and Kristin Smith, who have both appeared in all games this season. Outside hitter and defensive specialist Tomomi Sakurai is from Japan and the roster also includes players from Illinois and Minnesota.

The usual powerhouses are dominating the Eagle's schedule this season. Iowa Lakes, DMACC and Iowa Central will be a challenge for the Eagles. Williams said she thinks competing at this level will be beneficial to her players. "If we want to be an elite program, we have to compete against a high level," added Williams.

"But, it's all about where you end up at the end of the season," Williams said.

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