Allison Penner's inner toughness may be critical to Aurora volleyball success in 2014

When the outcome of Husky volleyball matches hangs in the balance, Aurora coach Lois Hixson won't fret too much this season. Instead, she'll turn to 5-foot-11, three-year starter Allison Penner to turn the tables on Husky foes.

When push comes to shove and the match is on the line, Penner's on-court bully steps out and obliges Hixson's confidence in the 2013 NebraskaPrepVolleyball.com second-team Super-State setter.

"Allison has the servant heart needed to be a great setter," Hixson said, "but also has the ability to motivate and spark her teammates by taking control when the game is tight.

"Allison brings a high level of energy into our gym everyday. She often leads by her actions, which motivates all those around her to reach and exceed expectations for the day."

Operating out of Hixson's 5-1 system, Penner's role for the Huskies, in 2014, will stretch beyond setting up her teammates for the kill. Penner will also be called on to make plays.

As Aurora's season evolves, Hixson vows to find ways to utilize Penner's left-handed offensive attack. Frequently.

"What I have learned most about Allison is how adaptable she can be," Hixson said. "She works hard to make our offensive schemes work, and is very capable of changing our offensive plays to take advantage of opponent weaknesses."

Playing on an undefeated freshman team in 2011, Penner earned her stripes, and by season's end was given varsity playing time. Penner then became Hixson's starting setter in 2012 and 2013.

After earning honorable mention all-state honors in each of her first two seasons, Penner will more than likely net her second straight first team All-Central League and Class B All-State honors in November.

A year ago, Penner frustrated Husky opposition by dishing out 951 set assists, pounding down 67 kills, serving up 17 ace serves and deflecting 26 solo blocks. The University of North Carolina-Greensboro commit added 274 digs to her line as well.

Should you find yourself seated at one of Penner's matches, be prepared for up-tempo play. From pin to pin, Penner hopes to keep opposing defenses off balance and second-guessing her every move.

"My spirit, as a front row player, is to be offensively minded even if I am setting," Penner said. "In order to succeed as a setter, in volleyball, I think you need to know your hitter's strengths, and also to be able to lead the team.

"I like to play fast-tempo games, and have all the hitters involved. It's a fun type of game to play."

With Penner on the Husky roster, Aurora has posted a 71-34 mark collectively the past three seasons. By the end of each campaign, Penner and her Husky teammates increased their win total from the previous season.

After winning 20 matches in Penner's first season under Hixson, the Huskies slammed their way to 24 wins in 2012. A year ago, Aurora scored a 27-9 mark.

Despite playing on three 20-win teams, to date, Penner has just the one state tournament appearance to show for it. Last season's 28-26, 20-25, 15-25, 23-25 loss to Omaha Skutt Catholic in opening round action of the Nebraska Class B state volleyball tournament capped Aurora's first playoff appearance since 2008.

For Penner, a senior, that loss was both disappointing and the pinnacle of her prep career.

"I think last year was a big, eye-opening experience," Penner said. "No one on the team had been to state and we didn't know what to expect. It all kind of seems like a blur. But, honestly, I think we can't let our nerves get the best of us. We have to play like it's our last.

"It all went so fast. Our team was very close and we made it together to the state tournament. And when you do something like that as a team, it is something great."

Aurora does return plenty of experience this season, raising the expectations of making that final run towards a state championship for Hixson's six seniors. But Penner warns that experience can be both an advantage and a disadvantage for the Huskies.

"Since we have a lot of returning experience, and we have played with each other, we know each others' strengths and weaknesses," Penner said. "However, that can also be a weakness. Since we know each other so well, that might make us too relaxed and hard (for us) to start the game strong."

Call her greedy if you will, but Penner does want more this season. Following what Aurora faithful hope is an outstanding regular season, The Huskies have their sights set on an opening round state tournament win at the University of Nebraska's Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Then Penner and company are hoping for a semifinal win, and ultimately another ‘W' in the championship match.

"I would like to make it back to the state tournament and get some wins there," Penner said. "I definitely hope to see ourselves making a run in the tournament. I want to win, and I will do whatever it takes to do so."

As Penner sees it, quality setting is crucial to the flow of an offense, and is a necessity for an offense's ability to put the ball away.

"The setting position is very important because you are setting up hitters in order to get that kill," Penner said. "Without a good setter, you're limiting your options for hitting. In order to be a good setter you need consistency, leadership and good teamwork. You have to put in the extra hours in order to be a great setter."

Penner's love for the game of volleyball goes beyond putting up big numbers and chalking up wins. She has passion for the game and loves the physical and mental aspects of volleyball.

"It keeps you on your toes because you never know how the ball is going to come back over the net," Penner said.

With Penner running the show, the Aurora offense will place plenty of pressure on the Husky opposition this season. But Penner won't sell her defense short.

"I think our defense this year will be very strong," Penner said. "We have some great defensive specialists and liberos who can hop in a play whenever you need them."

As she prepares for her final prep season, and a collegiate career at UNCG, Penner is hoping to improve her offensive game at the net and expects to intensify her serve.

"Allison has a high contact point with her hands which enables her to distribute the ball well and fool opposing blockers," Hixson said. "I think her high release and how smoothly and accurately she sets the ball is a huge recruiting appeal."