Web Special: Benson passes to perfection

Jenna Cederberg

Staci Benson is the one on the court with the different-colored jersey. Or, in volleyball terms, the Pirates's libero. Pronounced le-bear-o, the position was created to give each team a defense specialist on the court who plays back row exclusively.

"I just play the back row mainly, I can come in for anybody at any time. I can only serve for one certain person throughout the game. But if someone is having a bad day, not passing, I can just go in for the them," junior Benson said.

Regular substitutions require the referee to approve, and can only be made player-for-player. The libero can't attack, or hit the ball from anywhere without committing an illegal back row hit.

Benson jumps in and out of the back row rotation, but can serve for just one player, which is designated before the game. She knows when to go in based on where the team is in its rotation, she said.

The Montana High School Association rules distinguish that the libero's uniform must be "recognized from all angles as being in clear contrast to and distinct from the other members of the team." Staying true to the often rigid rules of volleyball, the libero's shorts must be "like-colored" to her teammates.

Benson started playing libero at the end of her freshman year, shortly after the position became a part of Montana high school volleyball. The libero position is usually best suited for shorter players who aren't as likely to be effective at the net. Benson is listed at 5-foot on the Pirate's roster, and said her quickness is what helps her be the most effective libero.

"(Staci) has been a silent leader for the past two years, our team relies heavily on her level of play. If Staci is having a great game, the other girls rise. She takes pride in her role as a libero and lives up to the impact it has on our teams success," head coach Jan Toth said.

Most often you'll see her name at the top of the digs stat column, not the kills or blocks column.

One of the more under-stated positions on the court, Benson's job is to transition the team from defense - when she digs out a hard hit - to offense. The dig turns into a pass, which is the first hit of three. A good pass should turn into a good set, which should put the hitter in a good position to spike the ball. That spike is the most effective offensive hit because the velocity of a hit makes it the hardest to defend.

"Staci is second to none when it comes to defense. She is a fighter and definitely elevates our team play," Toth said. "Not all defensive players can master all the key roles that are essentially needed to become the best defensive player in the conference. I think she is it, without a doubt."

Benson isn't out of the play after a dig. This year she has taken on the role of being the main voice for the hitters. In the back row, she can see the floor better than hitters close to the net and uses her voice to guide the hitters kills to portions of the court defenders aren't covering.

Junior hitter Nicole Davey credited Benson's voice as a key to her hitting success because of the guidance.

On the flip side, how does is feel when a hard hit is flying at your face?

"When the hitters have a huge hit and you dig it, it feels good definitely," Benson said. "That's probably the best part."

She did admit that it's a little scary at first.

The Pirates are No. 3 in the conference for digs per game, with 740 digs in 42 games, for a 17.6 per game average. Benson said one aspect of her game she's improved on this year is reading hits, thus being able to better position herself for digs.

Toth said Benson has also made great strides in serving and as a back row hitter, both keys to generating offense for the Pirates.

"She has a bright future ahead of her in volleyball next year and beyond. She has captivated and generated interest with several in-state college coaches. I just cannot say enough about her," Toth said.