VOLUME 26, ISSUE 2 101
BY STACY CLARDIE
SClardie@GoldandBlack.com
A
manda Neill isn't leaving opposing hitters
deflated after rising high for a stuff block.
She's not leaving opponents staring at the
spot on the floor where her big-swinging right-hand-
ed blast just landed with a thunderous thud, an excla-
mation-point play that draws an eruption from fans
and teammates.
Through 19 matches this season, Neill didn't have
a single block.
She had only three kills.
And yet Neill may be the most important player for
the Boilermakers.
Even if her flash is the all-out dive, sprawled and
outstretched, hand reaching flat to get the ball to
bounce right off it before the ball hits the ground. A
fluid "pancake" save.
Even if her flare is in serve-receive, delivering a
pinpoint pass to the setter, the moment that can of-
ten make or break a successful play.
Amanda Neill is Purdue's libero.
Without a great one, Coach Dave Shondell says, a
team can't go anywhere in the brutally competitive
Big Ten, much less the NCAA Tournament.
Good thing, then, the Boilermakers have one.
Neill has blossomed in her final season, emerging
Purdue
As libero, senior Amanda Neill is Purdue's "mood maker,"
Coach Dave Shondell says. She's been the calming, steady
influence from the position the Boilermakers need — and
much more in her final season.
The Rock
Neill is key to team success
