University of Minnesota Athletics
MINNESOTA VOLLEYBALL SIGNS FOUR IN EARLY PERIOD
11/9/2000 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
"We got everything we wanted in this class," said Minnesota head coach Mike Hebert. "Each athlete we signed was the top player on our list for their respective positions. This has to be, collectively, the best recruiting class we have ever assembled at Minnesota."
Cipperly was a first-team all-state selection at Anoka High School this season, leading the Tornadoes to the state tournament. The 5-10 outside hitter was a four-time North Suburban all-conference pick, as well as a two-time Star Tribune all-metro team member. "Amanda is exactly what our program needs," said Hebert. She is an experienced outside hitter who has a great ball control game. And on top of that, she can hit with great power and range.
Freiborg was named "Ms. Volleyball 2000" prior to the start of this week's Minnesota State volleyball tournament. The 6-1 middle blocker will be attempting to win her third consecutive state championship with Central Minnesota Christian this weekend in St. Paul. She is a three- time all-state selection and was the 212 Conference Most Valuable Player in 1999. "Maggie is the real deal," said Hebert. "Had she not committed early to the Gophers, she would have been the most highly recruited middle blocker in the Midwest. Her 6-1 frame gives her the size to compete in the Big Ten. Her tremendous athletic ability sets her apart from other big middles. She blocks and attacks with great power."
Martin is a three-time unanimous Central Iowa Metro League all- conference performer. She was named to the fifth-team all-state in 1998 and the fourth-team all-state in 1999. The 6-0 outside hitter also led Ames to a conference championship this season. "Erin will turn heads as an outside hitter," said Hebert. "She plays with tremendous enthusiasm and athleticism. I have rarely seen a player have that much fun on the court. Her hitting and blocking skills are elite. She will adjust immediately and become a force for the Gophers."
Vander Well was named to her second all-state team this week. The 5-10 setter is a teammate of Freiborg at Central Minnesota Christian and will be trying to win her third consecutive state championship with Central Minnesota Christian this weekend in St. Paul. She is a three- time 221 all-conference selection and a two-time member of the all- tournament team at the Minnesota State Championship. "Lindsey is the heir to the Gopher starting setter position," said Hebert. "The more I watched her play, the more I was impressed. She has outstanding technical skills and plays with a genuine feel for the setter position. She will have no problem taking over the reigns of a top-level program."
The eighth-ranked Golden Gophers are 23-2 in 2000, 12-2 in the Big Ten and in sole possession of second place in the conference. Minnesota will play at Illinois on Friday at 7 p.m.
Name Pos. Ht Hometown/High School Amanda Cipperly OH 5-10 Andover, Minn./Anoka Maggie Freiborg MB 6-1 Prinsburg, Minn./Cent. Minn. Christian Erin Martin OH 6-0 Ames, Iowa / Ames Lindsey Vander Well S 5-10 Prinsburg, Minn./Cent. Minn. Christian