Nov. 29, 2007

By Anthony Arroyo Journal-Advocate sports reporter

MERINO -- For a young lady who doesn't even have text messaging, Sarah Owens is sure off to some bigger and better things next fall.

The Northeastern Junior College volleyball team continued their busy off-season with Logan County letter of intent signing's adding Merino's Sarah Owens to the list Tuesday afternoon. Owens, a senior from Merino, signed her letter of intent with NJC coaches Marci Henry and Robby Haley in attendance, as well as Merino head coach Carlye Armstrong and Sarah's parents, Kent and Anne.

"It's really exciting knowing I will continue playing volleyball at the next level because I really love the sport," Owens said. "I had a chance to meet all the girls on the NJC volleyball team and I am so excited to say that I am going to be part of their team."

This comes as a special thrill for Sarah because volleyball is her favorite sport. It is something that she has played since the third grade and although she remembers going to multiple practices of different sporting activities during summer month's, she rather stick with volleyball. "I remember one summer where I played soccer, softball, baseball all in the same time, then I would play volleyball and basketball in the same fall" Owens said. "I'm just one of those kids that get into any sport when they can. Volleyball is just the sport that I like the most and know the most about."

Owens dressed up her freshman year for the varsity at Merino, but didn't play nearly as much as she did in her senior year, obviously. She would presume to start in her sophomore campaign, and the rest was history. This past season, Sarah helped lead the Merino volleyball team to a second place finish in her conference and a semifinal appearance in district play. She totaled 298 kills, 69 stuff blocks, a serving percentage of 95 percent, 121 successful serve receive passes, and 240 successful digs. The girl just could do it all.

"Sarah is very aggressive offensively and she can pass and play defense," Marci Henry said of Owens. "Having that combination is a great thing and being able to do a lot of different things can become a good asset for us for the next couple years."

Owens had her mind set on Northeastern, but the senior also looked some at Colorado Northwestern Community College-Rangely because of their Dental Hygiene program. At the end of the day, staying close to home was No. 1 for Owens.

"I'm a big baby, I really didn't see myself going too far from home," Owens said with a smile. "I had family that played at NJC and they really enjoyed it and with everyone saying how good of an experience it is to go there, it made my decision a lot easier."

Sarah joins a NJC team that finished second at regionals, finishing with a 41-14 record. The team will also lose six sophomores, four of which started for the Plainswomen. Owens also joins Fleming's Amy Einspahr and Caliche's Shawna Stieb as members from the Logan County signed this off-season.