Sept. 25, 2005

By DAN NIED Journal-Advocate Sports Reporter,

The importance of Shelby Heggie was illustrated Tuesday night. In a four-game win at North Platte, the sophomore transfer from the University of Wyoming led the Northeastern Volleyball team with 14 kills. Heggie was playing in her first full-length game for the Plainswomen after sitting out most of the first 18 games waiting for her Wyoming transcripts to be finalized.

"She provides us with more offense," said Northeastern coach Marci Henry. "She is quick and she blocks well."

The final score was 30-25, 27-30, 30-19, 30-13. The second game went to North Platte because of some interesting officiating.

Dan Nied/Journal-Advocate Northeastern Junior College sophokore Jimilia McNeal had 11 solo blocks against North Platte Tuesday. Plainswomen coach Marci Henry believes that is a school record.

Inexplicably the referees allowed North Platte's libero to play in the front row, a direct violation of the rules. Despite repeated protests from Henry, the substitution into the front row was allowed, giving North Platte an opportunity to take out the player the Plainswomen were serving to. North Platte regained control of the serve and eventually went on to win the game by three points.

"That changed the momentum of the game," Henry said. "Volleyball is a lot of momentum and that was the momentum changer."

No matter, the Plainswomen controlled the game and improved their overall record to 10-9.

Heggie's 14 kill performance was impressive in the sense that it shows Northeastern's potential dominance at the net.

Heggie started for Wyoming as a freshman before transferring. Combined with Janie Elkins (nine kills Tuesday), Ashley Kauffman (13 kills), Ashley Murphy (8 kills), Jimilia McNeal (11 blocks), Bela Lachowski and Callie Vroomen, the Plainswomen have one of the most explosive front-line rotations in the South Sub-Region.

McNeal's 11 blocks was the most impressive stat of the night. It was an unofficial school record.

"It was amazing," Henry said. "her arms are very very long and she is doing a better job than reading hitters. She scored more points blocking than most of our players did hitting."

Tuesday was not a region game, but just as important in the sense that the Plainswomen needed a win after going 2-4 in the North Idaho tournament last weekend.

Cidney Legg had 34 assists for Northeastern against North Platte and Elkins had 19 service points, including 15 in the controversial second game.

Next up for the Plainswomen is the Wyo-Nebraska tournament, which begins today in Scottsbluff, Neb.

The Plainswomen played Sheridan at noon and Marshaltown later itoday..

With Heggie back, the Plainswomen will finally get to field their entire lineup during a full tournament.

Something that they have been looking forward to since the season began.