CLC's Lancers healing up just in time

The College of Lake County volleyball team has nine players on its roster, so the Lancers do not have the depth to withstand injuries.

That's played a big role in CLC's 7-12 record going into its match at noon Saturday at Kankakee.

Fortunately for CLC, the players are getting healthy for the season's stretch run. The Lancers, who are now close to full strength, advanced to the semifinals of last Saturday's College of DuPage Invitational.

"It's been exciting to see where we're at when we're healthy," coach Rob Caliendo said. "It will be interesting to see what happens."

Freshman libero Jenna Capps (Grant) is thrilled to be back on the court after missing a week with bronchitis. The time off did not agree with Capps.

"It was hard because I'm the type of person that always wants to be out there," she said. "I wasn't allowed to do anything. I felt so bad because I wanted to help contribute. When I (returned), I just wanted to rock."

Capps has rocked by providing steady defense to go with CLC's improving attack.

Freshman setter Megan Josupait (Carmel) has become a threat with her hitting.

"I love it when Megan is aggressive and turning on the pass," Caliendo said. "That's really helped out the offense."

In high school, Josupait didn't always play setter when she was in the front row.

"I'm starting to be able to do more with the ball," she said. "It's good because it helps set things up for my teammates."

Freshman outside hitter Michelle Sims (Lake Zurich) is finally pain free. Although she has been a fixture in matches, she was unable to practice consistently because of back and foot pain.

"I'm just happy that I'll be able to practice and help us more," she said.

Sophomore opposite Lindzy Zaremba (Zion-Benton) is one of the Lancers' most improved players.

She returned to the sport last year after a two-year hiatus. She concentrated on track as a junior and senior in high school.

"I'm definitely a lot more comfortable," she said.

Playing for a cause: CLC's tri-match Oct. 13 with visiting Triton and Joliet will be about more than volleyball.

All the profit from attendance, concessions and raffles will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

"This is something we wanted to do to give back," Caliendo said.

It's a day the Lancers have looked forward to for some time. Play will begin at 10 a.m.

"We've been making posters and telling friends," Zaremba said. "We want to get as many people here as possible."