By Don Owen
NKyTribune reporter
For many casual volleyball observers, players in the back row are underappreciated. But to every coach, the defenders and passers in the back are essential if a team is to enjoy success.
A good example is at Thomas More University, which features several outstanding performers in the back row. They’ve helped the Saints forge a 26-2 record this season after a sweep of visiting UC Clermont (25-10, 25-14, 25-9) on Wednesday night at the Connor Convocation Center.
“When it looks like your setter doesn’t have to move much, she’s able to run the offense very efficiently because of the excellent passing and that doesn’t show up in the stats,” Thomas More head coach John Spinney said. “We do keep quality point averages for passing. When the setter doesn’t have to move, that’s a perfect pass. Your offense is great when you pass so well that the setter doesn’t have to move around.”
Ginn, from Seton High School in Cincinnati, leads Thomas More with 506 digs this season. But Spinney noted her passing has been a major factor in his team’s success.
“She’s a great passer, and Jess has come a long way,” he said. “She owns the back row. She owns the defense. In those big wins we’ve had this season, Jess has been a big factor. Defense and passing are crucial. They don’t get rewarded in the stats, but the players and coaches know how important it is.”
Thomas More senior setter Jenna Fessler, who dished out 31 assists while directing the offense, echoed her coach’s assessment of the passing game and defense.
“Our defense and serve receive doesn’t get enough credit,” Fessler said. “Because they do such a great job, it makes it that much easier for our hitters and me to do our jobs running the offense. They definitely deserve more credit than they get.”
Fessler and senior defensive specialist Kasey Niesen were honored in pregame ceremonies that included an emotional speech from Spinney about his two seniors. Niesen finished with six digs and also served effectively to begin the first set as Thomas More bolted out to a 6-1 lead.
A total of 19 players saw action for Thomas More against UC Clermont, which competes in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. The Cougars (15-13 overall record) were limited to a -.101 hitting percentage against the taller and quicker Saints, who have not lost at home in more than two years.
Fessler, a Beechwood High School graduate who has earned numerous accolades during her career at Thomas More, has led the Saints to three conference championships and three NCAA Division III Tournament berths. She became emotional during the Senior Night festivities, and for good reason.
“It’s been quite a journey for me here at Thomas More,” said Fessler, who missed the entire 2016 season while recovering from a serious illness. “There have been a couple of bumps in the road, but it’s been a really good career. It’s really emotional playing your last home game.”
Said Spinney: “Kasey and Jenna are special kids, very well-rounded and great students. They’re exemplary people and both of them are tutors as well. Jenna has been through a lot, and not just volleyball. To see her doing well again is a great.”
Thomas More hits the road for Atlanta this weekend and will play Randolph-Macon at 12:30 p.m. Friday, followed by a 3 p.m. match against Birmingham-Southern. On Saturday, the Saints meet Salem at 10 a.m. and conclude the two-day tournament at 12:30 p.m. with a contest against Washington and Lee.
