September 4, 2010
San Antonio – Whether on the left, the right or in the middle of the court, St. Mary’s University outside hitter/middle blocker Stephanie Proske happily went wherever the Rattlers needed her last season.
She served as the Rattlers’ utility player at the time, meaning most nights saw her learning many positions, but at the cost of mastering one.
Now that she’s only roaming in the middle under new coach Jenny Warmack-Chipman, the 6-foot-1 junior from LaGrange, Texas has shown what she can do with a little time in one spot.
Proske helped the Rattlers finish the St. Mary’s Invitational with a bounce-back, 3-0 victory over Maryville University-St. Louis at Bill Greehey Arena on Saturday. Proske hit .500 and had six kills to lead St. Mary’s to victories of 25-15, 25-13 and 25-15.
“It’s a new experience for me,” Proske said. “I’m just ready to play.”
Proske hit .444 over four games in the Invitational, with 23 kills and just three errors.
Aiding her rapid development has been the stellar play of several teammates, particularly junior middle blocker Kirsten Chapman (Jourdanton, Texas), senior setter Kori McCarver (San Antonio) and junior defensive specialist Stephanie Flores (San Antonio).
Chapman posted 28 kills over four games this week, including a team-high eight in the victory over Maryville. Meanwhile, McCarver posted 27 sets and Flores had 13 digs Saturday. Senior outside hitter Kate Kershner (San Antonio) led the Rattlers (2-2) with 18 digs.
“Our energy is definitely the main thing that keeps us going,” Chapman said.
The Rattlers will return to the court on Tuesday, when they will travel to face former Heartland Conference foe University of the Incarnate Word at 7 p.m.