The UNI volleyball squad continues their preparations this preseason with their very young roster being the main point of emphasis for this season. Head Coach Bobbi Peterson returns one senior in Stephanie Germann, and three juniors. Patricia Dietz of Tripoli, Trista Humpal of New Hampton, and Stephanie May of Dubuque. As these four upper classmen will be expected to step up into leadership rolls, Coach Bobbi Peterson says there’s been good news and bad news during this preseason.The up fortunately is what she’s seen from her young group of kids. She also commended the returning players that worked very hard this off season.With the youth that UNI is trying to develop, Coach Peterson has needed to bring the younger players up to speed on many of the techniques or strategies that veteran players have picked up from their years of experience.Stephanie Germann, UNI’s lone senior, has been battling back from injury and has been cleared to play as long as she feels up to it. She says that she has even more drive being the only senior and wants to be able to take the team and put them on her back this season. Through all that UNI needs to overcome, the Panthers were picked to finish third in the MVC this season. But Coach Peterson still sets her sights on number one, she says that’s always their goal and she doesn’t feel that’s unrealistic. UNI begins play this Saturday in DeKalb against Illinois-Chicago and Northern Illinois.
