Friday, October 15, 1999
Sudduth’s
improvement a big
boost for Wahine
With her help, the Hawaii
volleyball team is tops
nationally in blocking
'BOWS BEAT SMU 15-12, 15-3, 15-5
By Cindy Luis
Star-BulletinPicture this: Jessica Sudduth, romance novelist.
Maybe not.
"I'm a major Danielle Steele fan,'' said Sudduth. "But I don't think I've got the imagination to write like that. What would I call my first book? Probably something like 'Jessica Sudduth's First Book.' "
Sudduth may have writer's block but she also has a big block when it comes to playing volleyball. The latter is a good thing.
The 6-foot-2 Sudduth has helped the undefeated Hawaii women's volleyball team to a No. 2 national ranking and the top spot nationally in blocking. The junior left-side hitter has stepped up her game as the 15-0 Wahine approach the midway point of their march to the national title.
"I think Jess is the most improved player we have on the team from last season,'' said Hawaii coach Dave Shoji. "She's always been a real solid player but, this year, her blocking has been outstanding. She started off slow hitting but she's hitting the ball with more power and more consistency.
WAC VOLLEYBALL
Who: SMU (12-8, 1-0) at No. 2 Hawaii (15-0, 4-0).
"Her (off-season) surgery was a big factor for her. It took a while for her to trust her hand again. Once that happened, she started playing with a lot of confidence.''
Sudduth has started nearly every match since her freshman season. She was slowed by a bruised heel but it was a broken right thumb that caused the most pain.
"Yes, I played with pain, enough pain to need surgery,'' said Sudduth, whose operation included ligament reattachment. "I feel like I've got more control of my hand now. It was very frustrating last season but, now that it's fixed, I'm feeling more confident.
"People tell me I'm jumping better, too, but I haven't noticed. I do feel like I'm contributing more.''
Sudduth has led the team in kills five times this season, twice matching her career high of 19 kills (against Long Beach State and Southern Cal). She is second on the team in aces, third in digs and kill average, fourth in blocks.
"Jess has always had the skills,'' said Shoji."She's fast and plays defense really well, especially for being 6-2. Offensively is where she has made the most progress with her consistency.
"She's becoming a terminator, someone we can count on to put the ball down.''
Sudduth doesn't realize it but she already has a title for her first novel: "Comfort Zone.'' It's something she has spoken of since her recruiting trip in 1996, something that led her to choose Hawaii over UCLA.
"This year's team has such a comfort level with each other,'' she said. "The upper classmen are very comfortable, after playing together now for a year or two. We have a lot of room for improvement but I think we're able to bring out the best in each other.
"We have established our roles and we have enough experience out there that we can have a freshman setter (Jennifer Carey and Margaret Vakasausau). I know how it is coming in and playing as a freshman. It's very important to have the support of your upper classmen. It's been positive energy this year.''
The Wahine have three seniors, Heather Bown, Heidi Ilustre and Jennifer Roberts. Sudduth has had more time on the court in a Hawaii uniform than either Bown (a transfer last season) or Ilustre and Roberts (both who are often subbed out).
Wahine assistant Charlie Wade never had any doubts about Sudduth. He said he saw the passion and national team potential in her as a 15-year-old playing for his Magnum Volleyball Club in Anaheim, Calif.
"Jessica is really into it, enjoys playing and competing,'' Wade said. "She has a real desire to be as perfect as possible.
"She's gifted physically plus she wants to be really good. We had some really good players come through our (Magnum) program -- Kee Williams, Sarah Chase (both former Wahine). Early on, I could tell she was going to be just as good, if not better, than all of them."
Sudduth said being a Wahine hasn't worn off.
"The arena hasn't gotten old, our fans are so amazing,'' she said.
"It's so much fun competing here. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.''
The communications major isn't sure what path her post-volleyball career will take.
If she does decide to write a book, however, she hopes she can base the happy ending on the real-life experience of an NCAA title season.
http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu
Ka Leo O Hawaii
