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University of Idaho Athletics

Spring VB
Idaho Athletic Media Relations

Volleyball

Idaho Middles Showing Growth

MOSCOW, Idaho—Idaho volleyball has hit the midway point of the spring season. The Vandals have completed two spring dates, the latter last Saturday in Memorial Gym.

The Vandals went 2-1 on Saturday with wins over Central Washington and Montana. The team will head up to Gonzaga, for the second time this spring, for three matches on Saturday. Idaho will face Eastern Oregon to start, before rematches with Montana and Central Washington.

"I thought we did some really good things," head coach Debbie Buchanan expressed. "Offensively we really kept things fast to the pin. I thought our players did a much better job of transitioning and staying in rhythm."

With two more weeks left this spring the Vandals will focus on ironing out a few small wrinkles. Coach Buchanan indicated that team's serving still needs to be improved upon. She also noted that they would like to get the middles more involved in the offense.

Middle blocker was a position the Vandals were thin at last season. Senior Torrin Crawford and junior DeVonne Ryter were the only two on the roster. Boise State transfer Reece Carman joined the team midway through the season last year, but had to sit out due to NCAA rules.

"We have added in some additional offensive plays for our middles," Buchanan noted. "I think it has helped us as we continue to find out if we are better in the 5-1 or the 6-2. We have been cross training with DeVonne and Reece on the pins as well. I think we are going to be pretty deep in the middle, allowing some movement if we need to. I think we are going to be in a much better spot this fall."

Crawford and Ryter will still lead the corps of middles this season. Carman and incoming freshman Nicole Ball will help add depth to the rotation. Crawford enters her fifth year in the system, while Ryter will be in her third season. The two led Idaho last year with 194 combined blocks.

"DeVonne has really taken a huge jump from last year to now," Buchanan added. "It has really become more natural. She has done a great job with things. She looked great this weekend. Torri is at the point where she does not need as many reps, trying to keep her healthy going into next year. Reece is coming along. She is long if she stays in the middle and big if she is on the pin."

Play this Saturday at Gonzaga will begin at 8 a.m. Idaho will play all three matches in consecutive order on the hour.
 
 
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Players Mentioned

Torrin Crawford

#7 Torrin Crawford

MB
6' 2"
Senior
DeVonne Ryter

#14 DeVonne Ryter

MB
6' 0"
Junior
Reece Carman

#6 Reece Carman

OH/MB
6' 4"
Junior
Nikki Ball

#15 Nikki Ball

MB
6' 3"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Torrin Crawford

#7 Torrin Crawford

6' 2"
Senior
MB
DeVonne Ryter

#14 DeVonne Ryter

6' 0"
Junior
MB
Reece Carman

#6 Reece Carman

6' 4"
Junior
OH/MB
Nikki Ball

#15 Nikki Ball

6' 3"
Freshman
MB
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