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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 22, 1996)
Seniors Crmch, Hedbeck plan to lead by example VPJir TPPnrHpH a CPQcnn-hwyli 19 Hiac Rio 19 phamniAncliin anH tliair nT < < < . . By Mike Kluck Senior Reporter For three seasons, Kate Cmich and Maria Hedbeck have proven to be valu able defensive stoppers for the Ne braska volleyball team. This season, the Comhuskers’ lone seniors want to be respected as great all-around players. And if last season’s NCAA Tour nament Final Four was any indication, both Hedbeck and Crnich, who are roommates off the volleyball court, are ready for their new roles. In the NCAA semifinals against Michigan State, Hedbeck, the 1995 Big 1 Eight co-backcourt specialist of the ] Earlier in the tournament against George Mason, Hedbeck tied her ca reer best with four service aces. In the NCAA championship match against Texas last December, Cmich, from River Forest, 111., had a career best 25 kills and 21 digs. Her perfor mance helped earn the Huskers their first national title and Cmich a place on the NCAA Championship all-tour nament team. “I was really excited because I thought I was an average hitter and a good defensive player,” Cmich said. ‘But it showed at the end that I’m an ill-around good player.” The fifth-ranked Huskers will be counting on the expertise of their se liors this year in trying to win the first \ national title. However, Cmich and Hedbeck both realize this year’s team will be differ ent from last year’s squad. The Huskers will have to replace co-national player-of-the-year Allison Weston, All-America setter Christy Johnson and the best passer in Ne braska history, Billie Winsett. In addi tion, All-America candidate Jen McFadden will miss the season with a back injury. “We don’t have the big star play ers, so we’re going to have to be a hard working team,” Hedbeck said. “Our attitude is going to mean a lot. “This year, we can’t afford just hav ng a bad day when we play a match. wc cuuiu uo inai rnsi year ana still win. This year is going to be different.” During preseason practice, Cmich said, the Huskers prepared their atti tude for a grueling schedule. Ten of NU’s 1996 possible opponents partici pated in the 1995 NCAA Tournament and seven were ranked in the final USA Today/AVCA Top 25. “This year, we’re more prepared physically,” Cmich said. “Physically, we’re ready to go, but mentally we have to get stronger.” But Hedbeck, a native of Sollentuna, Sweden, said the Huskers are being realistic in their preparation and goal-setting. Both seniors said the Huskers will probably not set a goal of repeating as national champions. They said they will concentrate on the Big 12 cham pionship first, then regionals. If they make it that far, anything can happen, even a repeat championship. “We know we’re going to be good,” Hedbeck said. “But we also know we’re going to have to work really hard for it. “We’re probably going to lose sev eral matches along the way. If we set the goal to win the national champion ship again, and then we start losing a couple of games, people will start get ting frustrated and we won’t be able to make our goal. It’s better not to set a goal that high this year.” N. /■ / Our big fall EXTRAVAGANZA! onNewFaHFashions 4 DATS ONLY Thursday 10-9 • Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-6 • Sunday 12-6 STARTS TODAY 'r Drastic Reductions on Remaining Summer Merchandise! Save 50-60-70% Many New Fall Specials For Men & Women Sweaters Outerwear Skirts Blouses Leathers Pants Shirts Flannels Boots Knits Blouses Suits Jeans Shoes Ties Post 3*-1 Nickel 1 Men's and Women's Clothing, Sportswear and Footwear Credit Cards B Layaways Welcome j. HARRY'S The Wonder Bar Welcome Back Students $1 Domestic Longnecks Thursday!, Fridays & Saturdays, 10 to Midnight 1621 'O' Street Dine-in or 1/2 sub at g' m-~ m "4 reg. price, receive 1 I /2 sub for only 22c 12c 1/2 sub niust be e^ual or lesser valuMf Mo coupon lut onlv. 40®'S“t3»4 ft' Sat pa»&' MR. GOODCENTS 27th & Cornhusker (next to Super Saver) 465-0077