Schauernann getting defensive in team's run to regional title

Submitted by JEREMY WOZNICK, Star-Herald Sports Reporter

The thought of a position change on the eve of one of the biggest tournaments of the season might be a bit frightening for many athletes. But for Western Nebraska Community College sophomore Kendra Schauermann, it proved to be a piece of cake.

Schauermann, who normally plays left back row defensive specialist for the Cougar volleyball team, was forced into duty at the libero position prior to the start of the Region IX South Tournament in Trinidad, Colo., last week after starting libero Nayka Benitez came down with a bladder and kidney infection Thursday that sent her to the hospital for three days.

The change of positions didn't bother Schauermann, or the Cougars, one bit as WNCC rolled to three wins in claiming its ninth straight regional championship.

"I was excited to be able to step up and help the team out in a different way," Schauermann said. "It's good to know that Coach had enough confidence in me to play that position and that I could do it. To be able to come through for the team was real exciting."

Prior to departing for the regional tournament on Thursday, Schauermann practiced at the libero position for a couple days when Benitez became ill. She also saw time at the position in a number of matches throughout the season when Benitez moved to the front row.

"It was kind of a last minute thing and it moved everyone around. Coach is really good with moving everyone around and making sure it works," Schauermann said. "But in practice, we practice all of the spots and we all move around. All of us have played enough volleyball and have enough experience to play different positions if we have to."

In WNCC's first match in the regional tournament on Friday, Schauermann totaled 12 digs in a three-game sweep over Lamar. She then added a team-high 16 digs against Northeastern Junior College Friday evening before finishing with 14 digs against NJC in Saturday's championship match.

"When I heard about Nayka being sick, I knew right away that I would have to play libero. I was excited about it," Schauermann said. "I was glad we were able to play well and finish regionals strong without having Nayka in there because she's a really big part of our team."

Not only did playing without Benitez push Schauermann into a different role on the floor, it also forced WNCC coach Chris Green to tinker with the rest of the Cougar starting lineup. However, because of the versatility of the talented WNCC roster, the other moves worked just as smooth.

"Going into the regional tournament not at full strength really did make us coaches a little nervous," Green said. "We normally have three passers for serve receive. But with Nayka out of there, we had to move Jennifer Eichler to one of those positions. Because we play so many matches throughout the year, it allows us to experiment with different things and I think that really helped us at the regional tournament. A lot of the girls can jump into any of the positions."

After playing both the front and back row last year as a freshman, Schauermann settled mainly into a back row specialist this year as a sophomore. Last year she shared time with Bianca Rivera at the libero position when Rivera moved to the front row to hit for the Cougars. Because of Schauermann's experience and versatility in both rows, Green had no doubt that the team would be in good hands at libero at the regional tournament.

"Kendra is very quick and she's athletic," Green said. "She played all the way around for us last year as a hitter and a back row defensive player. This year she's played in every match and she's always been one that's contributed."

A graduate of Windsor High School in Windsor, Colo., Schauermann was predominantly a front row player during her prep career. Even though she still saw time as a hitter last year, she quickly turned her attention to the defensive aspect of the game and has developed a real passion for the back row.

"Switching roles this year and just focusing on defense has been a good change for me," Schauermann said. "We have such good front row hitters and it's really important for us to get a good pass to Sori [Soriana Pacheco] so she can get the ball to them. Sometimes there's a lot of pressure, but I like it. It's an important part of the game and I'm glad I'm part of it."

Schauermann will graduate from WNCC in December, and will continue her playing career at Metro State in Denver.

The Cougars will continue their pursuit of a national championship next week in Council Bluffs, Iowa. WNCC finished second at last year's tournament. The tournament will be contested Nov. 15-17. Pairings are expected to be released today.

"I think it's going to be a lot tougher road to get to the championship this year," Schauermann said. "We know we're just as good as all of those other teams so it's going to be really fun. We're all so excited."

Green said Schauermann will probably be back at her normal position at the national tournament. Benitez, who was named Region IX's Libero of the Year, was back practicing at full speed on Tuesday.