By Dean Eversole
Max Preps.com
Two of Ohio's best volleyball teams will face off Thursday night when Marion Local, 14-0 and ranked number one in D-IV, visits the 15-0 and the number one D-III Versailles Tigers.
The two towns are separated by about 15 miles and they share not only a school border, but many family ties. A typically competitive match has much more to it in 2007. With both teams undefeated, the game is likely to decide the conference crown along with bragging rights in the Border War.
It isn't hard to see why both teams are undefeated; the talent level is both high and extensive. The Flyers of Marion feature Abbie Niekamp, a senior middle hitter who has already signed with Florida State. Versailles counters Niekamp with Justine Raterman, who chose basketball over volleyball, but is considered a D-I college talent in both sports.
With very talented players dotting the court, the difference could lie with the other players and for Versailles that other player is Emily Bohman.
At 5 feet, 9 inches, Bohman isn't physically imposing, but ask any player that has been standing at the other end of her kill attempts and they will tell you that her actions are very intimidating. The senior outside hitter leaves little doubt when she connects on a spike, and she has become an invaluable asset for the Tigers.
Bohman is a very unassuming person who will always speak about the team before even considering her individual accomplishments.
"Everybody on this team has been stepping up for us," noted Bohman about the Tigers success "At first there was some confusion, but that seems to be working itself out."
Although Versailles is an extremely talented squad, it is a youthful team creating some adjustments. It also means that Bohman, along with Raterman who has played with Bohman since they were freshmen, has been forced in to a new role - leader.
"The role has changed," commented Bohman "In the past we were not the top dogs and never had to push the other players. Now that is are responsibility to push these players like we were pushed."
Another thing has changed for Bohman, who is now clearly a top offensive weapon in the high-powered Tiger attack. Coach Jeremy Riley preaches a rapid transition from defense to offense and Bohman plays a crucial role in meeting his demands.
Playing the entire court, it is not uncommon to see her make a diving dig and then turn around and deliver a thunderous kill from the corner. For Bohman, making such plays is just another day at the office.
"Right now our team's strength is our defense and certainly the height we have," noted Bohman in typical fashion when asked about her strengths, down playing her own role in making Versailles a stingy defensive team.
Even though she insists on down playing her individual stats, they speak loud and clear and Bohman is a candidate for All-Ohio honors. She is among the team leaders in kills, service points and digs. Her accomplishments are also drawing the attention of college coaches.
"I have been thinking about playing volleyball in college, but I am still considering my options," said Bohman.
Making her decision even more difficult is the fact Bohman is also a starter on the basketball team and the catcher on the softball team. Blessed with a range of talents, it is likely Bohman will not only have to decide between colleges, but also sports.
