Libero keeps it defensive

The true American sports buff can easily identify the role of the designated hitter in baseball, explain the value of the option pass in football or describe the great basketball staples, the pick-and-roll and the pick-and-pop. But it's unlikely that even the most dedicated fan would know the role of the libero in volleyball off the top of their head.

Women's volleyball (10-3 overall, 2-1 Ivy League) has enjoyed tremendous success in the recent past, including a share of the Ivy League title last year. Yet many here are unaware of the Tigers' impressive history. It's hard to imagine volleyball becoming as big an attraction as football or basketball on campus, but one of the barriers to the popularity of volleyball may be the fact that many people do not understand the game itself.

One of the most difficult elements of volleyball for the common fan to grasp is the libero rule. The libero rule is especially esoteric because it was only invented in 1998. In fact, players and coaches are still adjusting to the new problems and possibilities that the rule has created.

The basic idea behind the rule is that one player — the libero — plays defense the entire game. For baseball fans, this is as simple as imagining a reverse DH. Instead of being an exclusively offensive player, the libero performs the most important defensive jobs so that the rest of the team can function smoothly on offense.

One might ask why the libero is important in a typical game. In fact, she plays a crucial role in any victory. The libero usually leads the team in digs — an important statistic that signifies a pass that redirects the ball before it hits the ground and prevents the end of the rally. Additionally, the libero can set up shots for her fellow players from behind the attack line. The fact that the libero is responsible for only defensive tasks frees up the other five players to function more smoothly as an offensive unit.

Two lines set three meters away from the net are known as "attack lines." Three players play primarily in front of the attack line and are responsible for attacking and blocking. Another three players play behind the attack line and are responsible for digging, setting and serving.

The rules of the libero position make its role clearer. The libero always plays in the back line. She is strictly limited by the fact that she cannot make any attack hit, nor can she block an attack hit from the opposing team. She can set the ball, putting the ball in a position for a teammate to make an attack hit, if she does so behind the attack line. A recent NCAA rule change also allows the libero to serve the ball.

McReynolds thrives

Princeton can boast of having one of the best liberos in the Ivy League. Junior Jenny McReynolds currently leads the Ivy League in digs, recording nearly six a game. She has been named the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week numerous times throughout her distinguished career with the team.

She is easy to spot in games, and not necessarily just because of her tremendous performance. Another part of the libero rule requires the libero player to wear a different colored jersey from the rest of the team.

With the stalwart defensive play of McReynolds, the Tigers have gotten off to a strong start in their 2005 season. Most recently, McReynolds' 18 digs led Princeton to a 3-0 win against Harvard.

NCAA volleyball as a whole tends to be more disciplined than the variants played by many students on lazy summer days at the beach — perhaps Alexander Beach — or in the backyard. But knowing the basics, you can now have just as much fun watching the Tigers. Their next home stand starts Oct. 17 against Seton Hill and features a game against Brown on Oct. 21.