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Volleyball news and notes

Posted by: Jeff Huth

Thursday, September 25, 2008 4:02 PM

News and notes from the Illini volleyball scene:

Sophomore Nicole Kump, who has missed the last two matches with a foot injury, won't be returning to action any time soon.
Coach Don Hardin said Tuesday the right-side hitter/middle blocker is likely to be sidelined an additional four weeks. On Thursday, team athletic trainer Randy Ballard said the time frame for Kump's return is four to six weeks "but we're hoping it's closer to four."
Kump is wearing a protective boot on her right foot and not participating in practices. Although tests show she does not have a stress fracture, Hardin and Ballard said it could turn into one if she'd continued training and playing.
Ballard called her injury a "stress reaction."
Kump had appeared in eight of the Illini's first nine matches, usually splitting time with senior Kayani Turner on the right side during half of the rotations in Hardin's two-setter attack. Freshman Michelle Bartsch has been a fixture on the right side when the rotation turns over to the other setter.
Turner, who missed all of the 2007 season with a nerve disorder, has experienced an up-and-down return but Hardin sees overall progress.
"Kay keeps doing a little better," he said, "and we'll keep getting her more time here and there."
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Freshman libero/defensive specialist Catherine Culligan has seen some playing time in the Illini's last three matches and generally made the most of it. The Wheaton St. Francis graduate contributed two service aces and six digs in that span.
Her performance gives Hardin confidence she can spell Ashley Edinger at libero if needed.
"She did an outstanding job," he said.
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While No. 20 Illinois is opening its Big Ten schedule Friday night at Indiana, a potential future Illini player will be in Urbana.
Morganne Criswell, a sophomore middle blocker from Decatur Lutheran, has a scholarship offer from the Illini. The 6-foot-1 Criswell will lead the Lions (9-3) against Urbana University High (10-6) at Kenney Gym. The varsity match will follow a 6 p.m. junior varsity match.