11/19/2011

By BOB DAVIDSON

Salina Journal

Kansas Wesleyan coach Fred Aubuchon and his players know what they must do and what they're up against in Oklahoma Baptist, their opponent tonight in the Opening Round of the NAIA national volleyball tournament. The match begins at 6 p.m. at Mabee Arena.

The Bison were 20th in the final NAIA poll and are 31-10 on the season. They won the Sooner Athletic Conference tournament last weekend.

"OBU has played some top teams and done very well," said Aubuchon, who in his third season as coach has guided KWU to its first NAIA tournament berth. "There are no sleepers out there. Everybody is taking everybody seriously, it's that time of the year. There's no doubt they're a tough opponent for us."

His players concur.

"We're going to be playing a higher ranked team so we have to play almost a perfect game," senior Leah Keller said. "Blocking and defense are two things we've done well all season and defense will definitely be the key."

"We have to trust our system, trust our coach and work on staying consistent," senior Juli Miles said. "At this point there isn't much you can do to change things you've been doing, so it's just a matter of staying confident."

Tonight's winner advances to the NAIA National Championship on Nov. 29-Dec. 3 Sioux City, Iowa.

Wesleyan (26-8) comes in on a roll, having won its last nine matches and 15 of its last 16. The Coyotes are 26-3 since opening the season with five losses on a trip to California.

"All year long we've played pretty steady," Aubuchon said. "We've had a few low points, not many high points. We've played pretty consistent.

"We haven't peaked yet. If we can step up in a championship level atmosphere we can do well. If we don't, OBU will be the team that moves on."

The Coyotes qualified for nationals by winning the Kansas Conference tournament last weekend at Mabee Arena. They defeated Ottawa 3-0 on Friday and survived a 3-2 thriller against Tabor in the championship Saturday.

Keller lead KWU's offense with 2.63 kills per set and is one of five Coyotes averaging at least 1.5 kills per set. Miles averages 6.14 assists and Chelsea Myers 4.35.

Pauline Yang leads the defense with 4.32 digs while Kelsey Boyles averages 2.52.

Wesleyan ranks fourth in blocks in the NAIA at 2.84 per set and is ninth overall with 335 1/2 for the season. Breanne Schultz is seventh with 1.36 blocks per set and Boyles 12th at 1.31.

Kristin Pressley leads OBU with 4.03 kills per set while setter Sabra Clark averages 8.3 assists and Cami Weimer 5.9 digs.

"They've got a top-notch outside hitter (Pressley) and their setter is dynamite. She can win a match for them," Aubuchon said. "They play great defense. They never let the ball hit the floor. Their middle (blockers) are pretty solid, fast and very efficient. They'll be a tough team to play against."

Wesleyan was spurred on by a raucous crowd last weekend and Aubuchon is hoping for more of the same tonight.

"I'd rather they be the team that's uncomfortable in that atmosphere," he said.

* Sports editor Bob Davidson can be reached at 822-1404, or by e-mail at bdavidson@salina.com

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