Panthers' sophomore has star power

GRIFFITH | Lisette Roldan represents not only the future of Griffith volleyball, but also a reason why it's still playing in the present.

The sophomore outside hitter is second on her team in kills with 203 and first in aces with 57. The hitter ahead of her in kills is senior record-setter Kelsey Bonewits, whose 397 this season only increases the school mark she set last season.

That doesn't mean it's unattainable by Roldan.

"(Roldan) and Kelsey are extremely close and Kelsey has taken her under her wing these last two years," Griffith coach Cathy Dilbeck said. "Lisette has played at that (high club) level the last two years and she knows what the fast-paced game is all about. Lisette's going after every kill record, too."

The Panthers (21-9) meet Andrean (30-5) in today's regional final. The Northwest Crossroads Conference foes have already played twice this season, a pair of sweeps by the 59ers.

In the two matches against Andrean, Roldan compiled seven kills, three aces and 10 digs. She said, that has come from a offseason of learning how to be more vocal.

"I used to be so quiet and so nervous and wanting to be perfect, I've learned that I can't be perfect, no matter if you make a mistake or do something right, you have to get excited," Roldan said.

Not yet an all-around player, Roldan played enough defense this year to compile 64 kills and will be expected to stay on the court longer by her junior year.

"We definitely want to improve her defense and her footwork in the back row," Dilbeck said, "but when she's there, her ball control is amazing. We're working on beating the ball to the spot and still passing. She's definitely right there, she's an all-around player if I've ever seen one and she'll definitely play in that role next year."

To accept that role, Roldan has opened up as a leader. She has become more vocal and learned from the likes of Bonewits about what is expected.

"I wanted to be as much of a leader as I could," Roldan said. "I just wanted to be more talkative and be as good as I could in that role."

"Last year, when she was the only freshman on the varsity team, she didn't talk at all," Dilbeck said. "This year, she's a lot more vocal and definitely coming out of her shell. It's huge (out of a sophomore) because she knows the game so well and she knows where our expectations should be.

"She knows how these other teams in the conference are ... and her expectations for her game and our program are truly high."