"Deme is as tough as they come. I love her fighting spirit, I love it."
There's a give-and-take with any size variable in
most sports and volleyball is no exception.
"It's a new set of problems for the opponents,"
Sheffield said. "Maybe we're not as physical at the
net but we're leading the league in opponent's hitting percentage (.159) and that's one thing she
helps us out with. We've got some really tough,
defensive-minded players and she's one of them."
Morales has more than held her own at the net.
Since mid-September when she moved into the
front row, she has put away 2.85 kills per set over
the last 12 matches. Utilizing her 32-inch vertical,
she has accounted for 10 or more kills in eight of 12.
She also has double-figure digs in seven of those.
Opponents have tried to isolate and attack Morales; predictably so.
"They're trying to do that like crazy," Sheffield
said.
"It's kind of expected since I'm a shorter blocker,
too," Morales reasoned.
It's not a lack of respect, she believes, as much as
they may take her for granted a little bit.
"I kind of like that, too," she said. "It's kind of
funny how things play out sometimes because I
feel a lot of teams don't think I can block, so when I
do block them, it's surprising."
Morales understands her limitations ― "I try
really hard to get up as high as I can" ― and she
revels in whatever success she can attain from the
standpoint of "being a little dog making big plays."
There has never been a shortage of motivation.
"It's kind of cool," she said, "knowing so many
people have told you so many times that you're
never going to do this and you can't do that because your height is a limiting factor."
During Morales' freshman season, the UW football team had a quarterback who had to defend
his height to all comers. All he did was make plays.
How have things turned out for Russell Wilson?
"It's what you put your mind to really," Morales
said. "When people believe in you and see that potential in you, like Kelly (Sheffield) has, it's awesome. He really pushes me to never be satisfied."
Sheffield has been forced to juggle combinations
due to a rash of injuries. He has already used eight
different starting lineups in 18 matches. The run
of bad luck dates back to August when senior Julie
"DEME IS AS TOUGH AS THEY COME. I
LOVE HER FIGHTING SPIRIT, I LOVE IT,"
SHEFFIELD SAID.
39
