Young Wildcats look to sneak up on Pac-10

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Summer Wildcat UA freshman setter Dana Burkholder speaks during Volleyball Media Day, held at the Stadium Club yesterday. Burkholder was a starting setter and captain on the 1998 World Champion U.S. Junior National Team before coming to the University of Arizona.

"With a young team, you have a great deal of anticipation and even blind enthusiasm," UA head coach Dave Rubio said. "We have a great deal of talent, but what could hurt us is the inconsistency often associated with a young team."

Arizona returns only two significant performers Ñ senior middle blocker Keisha Johnson Demps and junior outside hitter Raelene Elam Ñ from last season's 20-7 team. Consequently, the Wildcats are picked to finish sixth in the Pacific 10 Conference.

Demps might be the key to this teamÕs success. She worked over the summer with the U.S. National team in Colorado Springs and is looked at as the leader of this young group.

"Keisha is by far the most improved player on our team,Ó Rubio said. "The key component of being a good leader is that you are a great player. And Keisha is really playing at such a high level right now."

Elam started ArizonaÕs final 25 matches and finished third in the Pac-10 in service aces. She was also second on the team with 11 double-figure dig matches.

"I think IÕve really improved my thought process on the floor and feel much more confident," Elam said.

As it stands now, the Wildcats will be starting Johnson, Elam, sophomore outside hitter Allison Napier, redshirt sophomore middle blocker Marisa DaLee and freshmen Lesley Dubois and Dana Burkholder. Burkholder might be the most intriguing of the bunch as she takes over the reigns at setter. She was the starting setter and captain of the 1998 world champion U.S. Junior National team and a Volleyball Magazine third-team All-American.

"Dana is the Magic Johnson of volleyball," Rubio said. "SheÕs dynamic and very charismatic. She came here to be a starter and has never questioned her abilities."

Dubois and freshmen Lauren Benward, Erin Sebbas, Nadia Sefferovich and Jill Talbot are also expected to make contributions on this yearÕs squad.

"This freshman class is coming in with more volleyball experience than any other class before them," Rubio said.

"That should help with their transition to collegiate volleyball."

Some of the more experienced players are also excited about the potential of this yearÕs freshman class.

"They are very talented and we should improve as the season progresses," Demps said. "The NCAA selection committee usually puts more emphasis on how you do at the end of the season. So, if we can reach our goal and enter the NCAAs, I donÕt think many teams would want to play us."