The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Sports

October 29, 2007

Can you dig it? MSU’s Sloan sets national record

By Randall Jett

Jennifer Sloan had no idea just how sweet her senior season at Mountain State University was going to be.

A four-year standout on the volleyball court for the Cougars, Sloan obliterated the NAIA season record for digs Saturday in a win over Indiana University East.

“I didn’t think I would do it (Saturday) actually,” she said. “I was kinda shocked that it happened. I never thought I would get that many (digs).”

Sloan currently holds the new mark with 1,263 digs to date this season, eclipsing the old mark of 1,229 held by Amy Eckenfels of Campbellsville University.

“This is a good way to go out, being a senior and this being my last year,” Sloan said. “It’s a good way to remember it. It’s an honor.”

But, the former Woodrow Wilson standout related, she had no goal when the season started to chase after any records. She was more worried about winning matches.

“I had no clue,” the team captain from Mount Hope said. “I just did what I had to on the court. I didn’t even think about it, even when I found out that they were keeping track. I just played the way I needed to play. I didn’t think about it. It wasn’t something that I played for. I just played to my ability and moved forward.”

Sloan broke the record during the third game of the match. MSU coach Tim Berry related that it was an honor well-deserved.

“I’ve watched her play ball through junior high and high school and recruited her,” he said. “She’s just the ultimate team player and pleasant young lady to coach. I feel like I watched her grow up over the years.

“She’s just the total package. She’s a role model for the young players that are coming up. She’s the example that all collegiate players could follow to go through their careers and be a successful student-athlete.”

Before the season is over, Sloan could also take a shot at two other records held by Eckenfels, the digs per game mark and matches with 20-plus digs.

The digs per game mark is 9.04 and the MSU libero is currently averaging 9.29 digs per game with only a couple of matches remaining in the regular season.

The matches with 20-plus digs record is 37 games and still within reach as well.

Sloan will be honored at 6:45 p.m. tonight during Senior Night festivities at MSU’s Van Meter Gymnasium before the Cougar’s final home match of the season at 7 p.m. with Ohio Valley University.

— E-mail:

rjett@register-herald.com

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