Aug. 19, 2009
THIBODAUX - Head coach Chris Laird keeps emphasizing the importance of ball control for the success of the 2009 Nicholls State University volleyball team, and, according to Laird, the Colonels' continued success has to start in the back court.
"When it comes to the back row, I look for a passer first and a good defender second," Laird said. "Anybody that comes in as a defensive specialist that isn't an attacker is back there that can really run and chase down balls. So they may not be the best passers, but they're quick, they make good reads and they can get any ball up."
Dependable liberos and defensive specialists not only stifle the opposition's attacks, but are counted on to ignite the offense at the same time. A solid dig, sets up a good set, which should lead to a strong attack and a point for the Colonels.
Fortunately, Laird believes he has the players he needs to keep the Colonel offense running smoothly.
Sophomore Danielle Daigle returns after taking over the reigns as the Colonels' starting libero. Daigle led the team with 312 digs and a 3.15 dig/set average in her first season while also competing for the Nicholls track and field team.
Daigle anchored the Colonel defense in her first season while splitting time with then-senior Enjoli Ford. This season, Daigle could be joined in the back by senior transfer Michelle Waguespack.
Waguespack joins the Colonels, and returns to the sport of volleyball, after sitting out the last four years while finishing her degree at LSU. However, Waguespack turned in a stellar career at Thibodaux's E.D. White HS, earning 16 letters during her four-sport high school career and being named a Wendy's High School Heisman State Semifinalist as a senior in 2005.
"In the back row, we have Michelle Waguespack who has done a great job of playing defensive specialist. But Danielle Daigle is our starting libero. I don't know if anyone will be able to get her out of there. I feel our libero needs to be a passer first and a defender second. We focus so much on ball control and passing that our libero really has to start things for us. Dani is a great defensive player as well, but her passing is really what helped us. When she moved into that passing position, it made a big difference for us."
