In 1996, Ohio's Laura Cressa transferred from the University of Maryland, switched her position to outside hitter and, in her own words, felt like a freshman again.

But being the only senior on a predominately young club, Cressa's confidence in her role on the 1997 Bobcats must grow quickly.

"Laura leads by example," coach Ellen Dempsey said. "She is the hardest worker at practice and is very patient with the younger players."

Cressa remembers her first two years in a Terrapins uniform well. After two seasons at Maryland, she saw little playing time, and it took a while to get used to game situations when she arrived in Athens.

Cressa

But with the guidance from the Ohio leaders last season, Cressa adjusted well to a new team and new position, reaching double figures in kills in 15 matches. Now this year she will revel in the opportunity to give her younger teammates the same aid she received.

"I just remember last season when I was new," Cressa said. "Everyone really helped me, and now I'm just trying to do the same with the other players."

With her new role as the Bobcats leader, Cressa, who is first among all returning players in kills, aces, digs and hitting percentage, must also adjust to the spotlight and comparisons to her predecessor Lori Dyer.

"Laura is a different type of player (than Dyer)," Dempsey said. "Where (Dyer) was more of a flashy player, Laura's game is more physical and displays a strong playing background."

Cressa's best showing this season came in the Northern Arizona tournament last weekend against Oregon where she posted 11 kills in the Bobcats' loss to the Ducks.

All tolled, Cressa leads the team with 50 digs and 56 kills and has five aces. But her aggressive match play could be expected, given the amount of preparation.

"I worked hard in the off-season," Cressa said.

"I was in the gym and working on my conditioning so I would be prepared for this season."

Balancing her offensive attack is a defense much improved from last season. And with all the tools in place Cressa has become the team's strongest passer and all-around player.

"Laura has been getting to the ball really well and she has been very efficient with her movement," Assistant Coach Mike Webster said.

As for the Bobcats 2-5 record this season, neither Cressa nor Dempsey are worried. Looking deeper into the season, both feel when the Mid-American Conference season opens the team will be ready.

"They just need another month of game experience," Dempsey said. "And with Cressa as the role model and leader for the team on the court, we should be ready when tournament time comes around."