July 14, 1998

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland Terrapins have an interesting year ahead. Maryland is coming off of arguably the most successful season in school history, a 27-2 campaign that culminated with a 25-0 regular-season record and a first-place finish in the Atlantic Coast Conference and the team's third consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament. Maryland became only the eighth team in NCAA Division I history to finish the regular-season with an undefeated record. Coupled with the fact that Maryland had just three senior starters a year ago, one might think the Terrapins would be ready for a repeat performance in 1998.

However, that is not the case. The 1998 squad has a number of holes to fill: gone is four-year setter Eden Kroeger, who was among the greatest Terrapins ever; gone is senior Elizabeth Efron who was among the top hitters in school history. Kroeger became Maryland's all-time assist leader last season en route to earning ACC Player of the Year honors. Efron leaves Maryland as the all-time leader in hitting with a .299 average. A two-time first team All-ACC selection, Efron's team-high 465 kills a year ago rank her second in the single-season record book; gone is senior middle hitter Conya Jabari-Kitwala who was a force in the middle, and a threat from behind the serving line.

"Eden (Kroeger) and Eli (Efron) brought great leadership to Maryland volleyball. It wasn't just a 'now-and-then' sort of thing, they brought that day in and day out. They were sound, competitive players who were just a joy to coach and be around," said head coach Janice Kruger.

Two starters return from a year ago, including senior Jaime Summers, a first team All-ACC selection last year and senior defensive standout Kim Adolphs.

The focal point of the Maryland offense in 1998 will revolve most certainly around Summers. She returns as the team's leading hitter from a year ago, and in her first season as a starter, she played in every single game of every single match, hitting a team-high .331. She was second on the team in kills with 352 and ranked fourth in the ACC in hitting.

"I really look for Jaime (Summers) to have a fun senior year. She is a solid performer, but one who is the silent-but-deadly type of competitor. She leads by example rather than being too vocal. I look for her to really leave her mark on this program. She has been so close to being on a team that so desparately wanted to reach the Sweet 16; she really wants that, and I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't get it," said Kruger.

Adolphs returns as the Terps' top defensive player and has the uncanny ability to get to balls that other players can't come close to getting. The Australia native was second on the team last year in digs with 428, only 21 shy of team-leader Eden Kroeger. Not only is Adolphs sound defensively, she has one of the most dangerous serves in the ACC, and can jump through the roof.

"Kim brings us the stability and the toughness this team needs. She has an aggressive attack and can really hurt a team by her tenacious style of defense," adds Kruger. "She is so mentally strong that she can adjust to about anything, and we will look to her as one of our go-to hitters."

Maryland head coach Janice Kruger toyed with several different lineups throughout the course of the season last year. Kroeger, Efron Jabari-Kitwala, Summers and Adolphs were a constant, while then-sophomore Kate Hannas, then-senior Lindy Forsberg or either then-freshmen Katie Jentes or Maren Stuart would fill the sixth starting spot.

Even with a solid group of experienced returning talent and an influx of some promising youth, depth will be one of Kruger's main concerns in 1998.

A big question mark for the Maryland coaching staff is the need for a setter who can fill Eden Kroeger's shoes.

Sophomore Katarina Bridova played one year as a backup setter to Kroeger, but appeared in only one game. Bridova does a lot of things well but is still learning the American game. Her height is an added advantage because she can be considered a threat at the block. Another possibility at the setter position are newcomers Libby Alberts and Judy Shen. Alberts is a tremendous athlete who played on the Kaepa Northern Lights club team which defeated the highly-touted Sports Performance team at the 1998 Sports Performance Classic tournament. She possesses a level of maturity well beyond her years. Shen offers Maryland a couple of possibilities as she can play either the setter position or add depth as a defensive specialist.

"It is exciting in some aspects to have three setters vying for one position. It is something we haven't had in a long time because we have relied on Eden (Kroeger) the last four years. It gives us a solid basis for setting, in that each of one them brings something new to the table. Each one of them has different strengths that another might not possess," comments Kruger. "Libby (Alberts) and Judy (Shen) are more familiar with the American game so they both bring a different tempo to the game than does Katarina."

With the loss of senior Elizabeth Efron, one of the elite players in Maryland volleyball history, from the outside, the Terrapins will look to some familiar faces to help fill the void. Adolphs headlines the group of outside hitters and will be looked upon to carry more of the offensive load. She will have to hit the ball at a high level from different positions on the court to be successful.

Junior Kate Hannas and sophomore Katie Jentes will be given every opportunity to contribute from the outside hitter position. Hannas possesses a good competitive attitude and her physical strength will be a key this season. Jentes is a strong, physical player who has matured greatly throughout the course of the year. She offers versatility and power at the outside position. Joining the mix of outside hitters are newcomers Beth Murphy, a transfer from Duquesne, and Angie Banys.

Murphy adds height, power and stability to the young Maryland corp of outside hitters. She is a solid player who possesses sound ball control, and her two years of collegiate experience is a big bonus for Maryland volleyball. "Beth fills the hole up front that this team had been missing a year ago. She displays good court demeanor, and I think her experience will allow her to immediately contribute in the front row," said Kruger.

Summers took over as one of the elite offensive weapons in the ACC last year, leading Maryland in hitting. She will be heavily relied upon to provide firepower for the Terrapin offense in 1998 as well.

Sophomore Maren Stuart has a year of experience under her belt and will be a force at the outside or middle position. She has the talent to play both positions but lacks the experience to be a go-to hitter. Willette Dority and Katie Cramer, who both redshirted last year, will figure into Maryland's offensive mixture, as well. Cramer has a big block and is a high-hitting target for the setter. She has a great attitude and a good on-court presence, and improved tremendously during the spring. Dority will add backup depth at the middle hitter position.

In keeping with recent Maryland tradition, the Terrapins have assembled a formidable schedule for 1998. Not only will Maryland have to face the night-in, night-out challenge of competing in one of the nation's elite volleyball conferences, the Terrapins will face an impressive lineup of non-conference foes as well.

Early-season opponents include Michigan (at the Georgetown Invitational); San Diego State (at the Temple Owls Apollo Classic); a trip to Colorado to face national powerhouses, Colorado and Colorado State.

"Just as the case was last year, this year's schedule will prepare us for our ACC schedule. We are excited to be traveling to Colorado. It not only gives us the opportunity to play two quality caliber teams, but it also gives Katie (Cramer) and Beth (Murphy) a chance to play in front of their families," continues Kruger.

Maryland's Ritchie Coliseum plays host to this year's ACC Tournament which begins on November 20. The Terps will be seeking to take over the title that they held two years ago.