By Tiffany L. Rehbein
Attitude and enthusiasm could propel the J-I Rams out of the District 5C and into upper-division play.
"What will move us up is working with the attitude that we're going to win," said first-year head coach Karleen Lybeck. "If you walk in with the attitude that you will win, that's 90 percent of the game."
Angela Peek, the one senior on the team, is an all-around powerhouse. Peek will pose a threat at hitter, server, and defensive specialist.
Julie Moog, Kari Tempel, and Allison Jochim are three returning juniors with experience to pull them through the season. Moog and Jochim are strong on the defensive end, while Temple is the backup setter.
"They are really picking it up," Lybeck said. "The drills are starting to come into play in game-type situations with them, and they are making the improvements they need to make."
Freshman Laine Lybeck is the setter for the Rams this season.
"She is very strong," Lybeck said. "She is really aggressive, and a top player on the team, even as a freshman."
Freshman Cari Fusk and junior Michelle Adams round out the roster for J-I, who boast one of the smallest teams on the Hi-Line.
"All the girls ahve a great attitude with a desire to work together as a team to win," Lybeck said. "They all get along great and complement one another. They make a great team."
The Rams, who opened the season at the KG Open, will host three matches to open the year 2000.
On Wednesday, Jan. 5, the Rams host Dutton in non-conference action. On Friday, Jan. 7, the Rams will host Sunburst and Big Sandy in conference play.
On Monday, Jan. 10, J-I will travel to Rudyard and take on the Blue Sky Eagles in conference play.
