Meendering Named to World Games Team

Colorado Springs, Colo.-- University of Nebraska rightside hitter Nancy Meendering of Hull, Iowa, is one of 13 U.S. collegiate women named to compete in the 1999 World University Games held July 3-11 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, USA Women's Volleyball Head Coach Mick Haley announced Monday.

Meendering, a 1998 AVCA First-Team All-American, has been one of 18 players training in Lake Placid, N.Y., since May 15. The women's team is in pursuit of its first-ever gold medal after capturing the silver medal in 1993 and 1997. Head Coach Jim Stone thinks this squad has the potential to capture the championship.

"Personally, I am looking forward to working with these athletes," Stone said. "We have players who have won national championships, and we are going to Spain to try and win another championship. I think the players will enjoy the challenge of playing with and against some of the best players in the world."

Nebraska Head Coach Terry Pettit said the experience will be a valuable one for Meendering.

"We've always felt Nancy could be one of the best volleyball players in the country," Pettit said. "This is a fantastic opportunity for her and will make her and our team that much stronger when we open this fall."

The 13-member women's team is currently in Canada, taking on the Canadian WUG team. The coaching staff will then narrow the squad to 12 while training in Chicago, June 18-27.

The USA squad will compete in Group C along with France, Ukraine and Thailand. The women will open competition, July 4, against the Ukraine. The following afternoon the WUG team will face Thailand and finish pool play against France on July 7. Playoffs will begin July 8 with the championship match being held July 10.

The 13-member squad is: Outside hitters: Nicole Branagh, Minnesota; Tyra Harper, Central Florida; Jennifer Manz, Florida; Elsa Stegemann, Pacific; Jenna Wrobel, Michigan State. Middle Blockers: Elisabeth Bachman, UCLA; Heather Bown, Hawaii; Benishe Dillard, Long Beach State; Leslie Tuiasosopo, Washington. Opposite Hitters: Nancy Meendering, Nebraska; Kerri Walsh, Stanford. Setters: Robyn Ah Mow, Hawaii; Jennifer Flynn, Ohio State.

Stone will be assisted by Cathy George (Western Michigan) and Bob Bertucci (Temple). Kay Rogness (Front Range VBC) will serve as the team leader.