The Journal

Issue date: 10/6/05 Section: Sports

SHELTON

After starting 6-0 in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) and 13-3 overall, coach Merry Graf couldn't ask for much more from her volleyball team, except maybe a SLIAC Player of the Week Award winner. Well coach, ask and you shall receive. That award was given to sophomore outside hitter Crystal Shelton for the week of Sept. 19 through 25.

Shelton, one of the team's captains, leads the Gorloks with more than 235 kills this season, averaging nearly five per game. She also leads the Gorloks by example. Graf said Shelton has a "wonderful work ethic" and is a vocal presence on the court.

"If they've missed a few points she'll get the girls together and say, 'Hey, we can do this,'" Graf said. "If she's calm and collected, they feel like they're calm and collected and can turn any situation around."

So what makes Shelton so great? Graf said last year's SLIAC Newcomer of the Year was good when she came to Webster, but has evolved into a more complete player. Shelton attributes her volleyball history to her success. She started her volleyball career when she was eight years old and said she has loved playing ever since.

Shelton had a great season last year and other teams have taken note of what she is capable of. Opponents, especially within the SLIAC, are trying to stop Shelton's offensive onslaught. Extra blockers and defensive pressure have forced Shelton to make adjustments to her game. Even with these adjustments, Shelton is having a monster season. Graf said she has changed from a power hitter to a "smart hitter."

"We knew going into this year that everybody in the conference would be looking for her," Graf said. "She realized that she couldn't just rely on power. She has slow shots, off-speed shots and she's using the blockers when she needs to. That's going to make her a better player in the long run."

Although Webster sees an outstanding player in Shelton, it is impossible for her to do it all.

Strong blocking by freshman Megan Floarke, precise serving by freshman Missy Werner and consistent sets from junior Melanie Klingelhoefer have all contributed to the Gorlok's success.

Shelton said her teammates are very supportive of each other and as the season has progressed, the team has gotten stronger.

"With everyone pitching in and doing all that they can, it helps us become closer and makes us more successful," Shelton said.

Continued...

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