Fresno State Athletics
Seniors Bid Farewell
12/20/1999 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Dec. 20, 1999
FRESNO, Calif. - Entering the final week of WAC play, the Bulldogs hope to earn a birth for the NCAA tournament. If they are going to make it to the dance, it will be largely because of three women. Those key players are seniors Diann Aufdermaur, Anamie Buckelew and Adrienne Sankey. They are vocal, talented, and most importantly, experienced.
For the past four years the Class of 1999 trio has been a cornerstone in the Fresno State volleyball program. Last season the ?Dogs made it to the tournament for the first time since ?91 and with postseason possibilities still in reach the seniors will make one last push. No matter how the season ends, each one of the veterans will feel a sense of accomplishment.
"I?ve grown up very fast since coming here," Buckelew said. "I think that maturity is what I?ve gained the most out of my experience at Fresno State."
Buckelew, an Art major, has been a solid player throughout her career. She has performed at both outside hitter positions and in the middle blocker spot. This season she earned WAC Player of the Week honors for the first time. She recently moved into seventh place on the top 10 career kills list. Her reliability and team leadership, though, is what head coach Lindy Vivas will remember most.
"Anamie has always been so versatile for this team," Vivas said. "I?ve always been able to count on her when we?ve needed her."
Sharing responsibilities with Sankey and Aufdermaur is something Buckelew will also cherish. Playing alongside two outstanding athletes has been memorable, especially this year.
"I?ve enjoyed being a senior," Buckelew said. "It?s been a great experience sharing leadership roles with Adrienne and Diann. It?s something I will always remember."
Aufdermaur won?t soon be forgotten. She is only the second player in school history to reach the 4,000 career assists plateau. Her career assists per game average of 11.56 that ranks third on the all-time list is also a tremendous feat. It is safe to say Aufdermaur is one of the greatest setters in the program?s existence.
Sankey, a native of British Columbia, has made her presence felt in the middle for the last several seasons. Some of her career statistics include rankings in the top seven of all four career blocking categories. This season she has posted five total blocks in three separate matches against SMU, San Jose State, and Rice. She also turned in an impressive 20/20 performance against Rice with 24 kills and 22 digs.The senior year is a time when most reflect on the past and prepare to move forward.
On the volleyball court these three women have come a long way, as their statistics will show, and they are ready to head in their respective directions of life. Buckelew will be married in April. Aufdermaur aspires to be a kindergarten teacher. Sankey would like to go back to her home in Canada for a while. One thing is for sure, though, they will all remember what it meant to be together at Fresno State.
"The three of us are extremely close," Sankey said. "We?ve been through everything together and we know each other so well on and off the court. I just love those two to death."
