BYU returns bevy of talent in 2007
The Cougars found themselves down 2-0 in that December match before rallying to win, 3-2. "We came together and got it turned around," Watson said.
BYU faced adversity numerous times during the season, but it was able to fight through the trials en route to a 25-6 campaign. The Cougars fell to Southern California in the second round of the NCAA tournament in their final match of the year.
"It was a good season for us," Watson said. "We made some progress as a team in overcoming challenges we faced. We had to rely heavily on lot of people. It's something we should all be proud of. I'm very happy with the way we were able to get better."
Early in the season, BYU knocked off No. 4 Stanford at home in front of 4,050 fans, the largest crowd for a women's volleyball game in Smith Fieldhouse history. (A few weeks later, in a loss to Utah, a new attendance record of 4,455 was set.)
A week after the upset of Stanford, the Cougars had to deal with an injury to starting setter Amy Schlauder, who suffered a broken finger and didn't play again until late October. BYU also lost outside hitter Erica Lott to injury for part of the season.
"We have great student-athletes who are committed and work hard every day," Watson said. "They're ready to do whatever is asked of them and ready to work for this team. It's a culture we're trying to develop in our program."
Jenna Judkins replaced Schlauder in the lineup and performed well, Watson said. "Jenna did a great job for us. I can't say enough great things about Jenna and her role in that stretch when Amy was hurt and when Amy came back."
Going into the 2007 season, the Cougars will have to fill a big void with the departure of senior middle blocker Lindsy Hartsock. The three-time All-Mountain West Conference selection led the league in hitting and finished third in the conference in blocking. She was ranked among the top 15 nationally in both categories this season. She ended her career No. 4 all-time in school history in total blocks and blocking average.
The Cougars will also lose senior outside hitter Kimberly Wilson Sorensen.
"They have been with our program a long time," Watson said of Hartsock and Sorensen. They've been four-year starters and they were an identity opposing teams had to prepare for. We've lost that and their leadership. We'll see who will fill those voids and create a new identity. They've meant a lot to me personally and to our program."
Fortunately for BYU, it returns a bevy of talent in 2007. Back will be three all-MWC selections — Lott, Rachel Dyer and Chelsea Goodman.
Goodman led the league in kills per game and points and was among the top 10 in aces and digs per game. She recorded a league-leading 16 double-doubles.
"We're excited about the season she put together and what she'll do in 2007," Watson said. "We're excited to have her, Erica and Rachel back."
Watson is looking to Bryn Porter to step into Sorensen's spot while two freshmen, Ashton Hansen and Marisa Vandersteen, will vie for the starting job at middle blocker.
"You never know what's going to happen, but we'll look to them to elevate our program," Watson said. "We feel good about the direction we're heading. We need to be able to take care of details offensively and defensively. Those are the things we need to improve on. It's not the big, huge gains we were making in '05. It's detail-oriented improvements. We're putting a plan together. We have a whiteboard filled with things we need to get better at, and how to do it."
For Watson, who completed his second season at the helm, the 2006 season was a learning experience.
"You figure out what not to do," he said. "This year, I've learned it's very important that everybody is on the same page — coaches and athletes — that everyone understands that at any moment, we're going to need you. It's a long season. It's not a sprint. Together we can weather any challenge, if we're united."
E-mail: jeffc@desnews.com
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