VOLLEYBALL

Erbe: respect for opponenets key in tournament

Dan Woike

September 7, 2001

Listening to Spartan volleyball players and coaches talk, you’d think they were rehearsing an Aretha Franklin song. “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.” Head coach Chuck Erbe knows those seven letters are embedded in the minds of his players as they look to make it two tournament titles in a row at the Coca-Cola Spartan Invitational this weekend. “I’ve always told them the first rule of war is to respect your opponent,” Erbe said.

VOLLEYBALL

Kopka battles her nerves, plays big to win starting spot as freshman

Dan Woike

September 6, 2001

On a team where experience is minimal and youth is abundant, Spartan volleyball head coach Chuck Erbe needs some of the youth to mature quickly. Freshman outside hitter Michelle Kopka - one of seven freshmen on the team - took steps in the right direction in Friday and Saturday’s MSU Volleyball Classic.

VOLLEYBALL

MSU shines in Classic, finishes undefeated

Dan Woike

September 4, 2001

The MSU volleyball team can check one goal off its to-do list after winning all four of its matches at this weekend’s MSU Volleyball Classic at Jenison Field House. “To win this tournament on our home court was a big goal of ours,” senior outside hitter Erin Hartley said. The Spartans defeated Auburn 3-1 and Dayton 3-1 on Friday and capped the tournament with 3-1 victories against Denver and Western Michigan on Saturday. “These early season victories will help the team become more sure of itself,” sophomore setter Nikki Colson said. “It’s an incredible confidence booster.

VOLLEYBALL

Smith, Colson, Hartley stand out for Spartans, create team balance

Dan Woike

September 4, 2001

Good teams usually have one player it can turn to in pressure situations. Very good teams may have two.

VOLLEYBALL

MSU Classic opens season, young team shaking nerves in tourney

Dan Woike

August 31, 2001

A bundle of nerves. Spartan volleyball coach Chuck Erbe knows his team will be battling its emotions as well as Auburn, Dayton, Denver and Western Michigan this weekend.

VOLLEYBALL

Sophomore status doesnt stop Colson as leader

Dan Woike

August 29, 2001

On every team, every player has some responsibility. Some have more than others. In volleyball, the setter plays that lead roll. Spartan volleyball Coach Chuck Erbe describes the setter position as similar to other sports’ positions often mentioned in the same breath as leadership. “It’s like the quarterback in football and the point guard in basketball,” Erbe said.