Reserve volleyball players step forward in non-conference match

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat UA senior outside hitter Jodi Bethke (8) sets the ball during Saturday's game against Pittsburgh at McKale Center. Bethke played in all three games against the Panthers and tallied one kill on one attempt, and four digs.

The non-conference match against the Panthers came after the Wildcats (16-2 overall, 7-2 Pacific 10 Conference) defeated Arizona State Friday night, completing the first half of the Pac-10 season.

"It was a chance to play more players," Rubio said. "The team wasn't threatened by Pittsburgh. We set other goals, like being very productive in the match and being very prepared, as if it were a Pac-10 match."

Jodi Bethke, a transfer from New Mexico State, played in all three games against Pittsburgh, tallying one kill on one attempt, and four digs.

Bethke led the Roadrunners in kills (275) and kills per game (2.72) in 1997, and is a reserve defensive specialist and outside hitter for Arizona. She had a season-best eight digs at Washington State Sept. 18.

Freshman outside hitter Nadia Sefferovich returned from a twisted left ankle she suffered in practice Sept. 23, missing the seven matches before Pittsburgh. Sefferovich had one kill and two digs against the Panthers.

Also seeing more action were freshmen Erin Sebbas and Lauren Benward. Sebbas has now appeared in six Arizona matches, and had zero kills in three attempts against Pittsburgh from her middle blocker position.

Benward, the back-up setter to freshman standout Dana Burkholder, has appeared in all but two matches. Her playing time was limited, but on Saturday she had one kill.

Sophomore defensive specialist Elvina Clark, who played in one game against Middle Tennessee State, continues to be out indefinitely with a dislocated left elbow.

The team leaves for the Bay Area tomorrow, taking on California Friday and Pac-10 leader Stanford Sunday.

"I feel once again, we're tired physically and mentally," Rubio said after the Pittsburgh match. "I'm giving the team a few days off this week so they can get ready to go to this weekend."

Rubio said he was proud to see his team beat ASU Friday after being down two games to one. After being complacent for a couple of matches, scraping by opponents, Rubio organized more competitive and intense practices before the ASU match.

"I get frustrated because the mistakes we're making are because of a lack of intensity," he said. "The players have a tendency to think other teams are going to lose the match for us."

Bryan Rosenbaum can be reached via e-mail at Bryan.Rosenbaum@wildcat.arizona.edu.