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Posted on Wed, Aug 24, 2011 : 2:21 p.m.

Alex Hunt focused on team goals as Michigan volleyball team welcomes her return

By Matt Durr

Alex Hunt sat on a bench earlier this week with her ankle wrapped and watched her teammates practice. The scene was exactly how her season ended last year. Only now she is healthy enough to get out on the court and play for the Michigan women’s volleyball team.

A third-team All-American last year, her junior season ended early because of a high ankle sprain that caused her to miss the opening round of the NCAA tournament. The Wolverines lost in the first round to Washington and finished with a 23-10 record.

“That might be one of the worst feelings ever,” Hunt said as she prepared for practice this week.

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Alex Hunt

Hunt, however, is not looking back at last year; she is focused on this season and new goals.

“Obviously being healthy and playing the entire season. And managing to stay steady for the season,” Hunt said.

Hunt is on pace to finish her career at Michigan second on the kills list. But that individual record isn't one of her goals.

“To be honest with you, I haven’t given it a second thought,” Hunt said. “I try not to think about it. I’m doing it for Michigan.”

Head coach Mark Rosen isn't surprised that Hunt wasn’t concerned with individual awards.

“I would be surprised if they (players) look at individual accomplishments,” Rosen said. “I do think that athletes want to leave a legacy and a mark on the program.”

Besides her numbers, she has been a steady force on the left side of the court, improving each season during her time at Michigan. Rosen feels that she can be even better this year.

“Alex has a chance to have an even better senior year,” he said.

As Hunt and her teammates get ready for the long road ahead, she is confident that the team will improve on last year’s finish.

“If we keep improving and getting better, everyone has the desire to reach that goal,” she said.

The Big Ten as measuring stick

After reaching the NCAA tournament for the fifth straight season last year, the Michigan volleyball coach Mark Rosen says Big Ten play will determine how the Wolverines will fare this season in NCAA action.

“We have to use the conference to get better,” Rosen said. “I love the fact that the bar is raised.”

The Big Ten features seven teams in the AVCA Preseason Top 25 including four-time defending national champions Penn State. Michigan is ranked 24th. Senior Sloane Donhoff looks forward to the challenge.

“The Big Ten prepares you for the tournament. As we go through the season it’s important to remember every game counts,” Donhoff said.

While it’s still early in the season, Rosen likes what he sees in his squad.

”We have a long way to go, but we have the tools to get there,” Rosen said.

The Wolverines open their season Friday (Aug. 26) at the Morehead State Eagle Challenge at Morehead State. Donhoff is looking forward to getting the season under way.

“We’re excited to get out there and play someone else,” she said.

Eastern Michigan baseball player excels in summer league

EMU outfielder Brent Ohrman was named to the All-Horizon Air Summer Series second team last week. Ohrman hit .324 over the 37 game season and did not commit an error while playing center field for the Marysville Gold Sox.

Ohrman used his time in the league to improve on his baserunning and patience at the plate. He said his coaches helped him with picking which situations are best for stealing bags and when to pick his spots. He finished the campaign with 22 steals in 25 attempts.

“It was definitely something I wanted to work on this summer. It was nice to steal as many bags as I did.”

The Horizon Air Summer Series is a league played in California featuring collegiate ball-players from across the country. Ohrman was impressed with size of the crowds that never dipped below 500 fans and at time reached 3,600.

“It’s pretty sweet to play in that atmosphere. This was an awesome experience, the fans were awesome.”

Next Ohrman is preparing for fall ball as he enters his senior season at EMU.

Eastern Michigan soccer opens season on the road

The EMU women’s soccer team is on the road for the first six games of the season. Already this season the Eagles have traveled to Pittsburgh and Detroit for games, with a trip to Indianapolis coming up on Aug. 28 to face IUPUI. They won’t play a home match until Sept. 16 when Illinois visits Scicluna Field.

Eastern managed to draw against Pittsburgh thanks to a late goal by sophomore Cara Cutaia. University of Detroit Mercy crushed the Eagles 4-0 on Tuesday and limited Eastern to three shots on goal.

Michigan field hockey season starts Saturday

The Michigan field hockey team opens the season at noon Saturday against No. 2 North Carolina in Ann Arbor at Phyllis Ocker field. The following day, Michigan takes on No. 11 Wake Forest.

Both games are part of the ACC/Big Ten challenge.

Michigan women’s soccer looks to build on first win

The Michigan women’s soccer team secured their first win of the season Sunday as they defeated Oakland University 3-1 at the U-M Soccer Stadium. Sophomore Nkem Ezurike netted two goals for the Wolverines and fellow sophomore Tori McCombs added the other score. The team has two matches this weekend at home where they hope to continue their winning ways.

Upcoming home schedule:

Friday: Women’s soccer - 7 p.m. vs. Duquesne at U-M Soccer Stadium

Saturday: Field hockey - Noon vs. No. 2 North Carolina at Phyllis Ocker Field

Sunday: Field hockey - Noon vs. No. 11 Wake Forest at Phyllis Ocker Field Women’s soccer - 2:30 p.m. vs. DePaul at U-M Soccer Stadium