The Eastern volleyball team started the season on a good note last weekend at the North Carolina Central Tournament by winning two of three matches with a solid defense and offense.

So things are looking up for the Panthers, who began 2007 with seven wins in their first nine games and then faded to a 12-17 final record. For the Panthers to maintain success this season, sophomore outside hitter Alex Zwettler is the key to unlocking Eastern’s full potential.

Zwettler, who was the only Eastern player to receive Second Team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors this preseason, is trying to replace her sister Eliza’s leadership presence on the team.

Eliza graduated last season and led the team in scoring with 446 kills and was second with 401 digs. Eliza was also an all-conference performer during her junior year. Elize was named to the All-OVC Newcomer Team after transferring from Troy.

Before Eliza left the team, Alex learned some important leadership skills from her older sister.

“I have learned from Eliza that if you are going to say something, you have to back it up with actions,” Alex said.

In her own right, Zwettler is on the fast track to team leadership by doing so by example on the court. She finished last season second on the team in kills (355), third in hitting percentage (.202) and fourth in digs (305).

Zwettler has had a quick start this season, as she was second in team kills (27) and digs (18) through the Panthers’ first three matches.

Eastern head coach Lori Bennett said she knows Zwettler’s value to the team offensively. Bennett recruited the sophomore because she came from a sporting family, which values leadership.

“Alex leads in a lot of different ways,” Bennett said. “She provides a lot of stability offensively as she is a solid server and one of the top two passers. Every team needs someone to be an all-around player.”

Despite receiving pressure from preseason honors and following in her sister’s footsteps, Zwettler shrugs it off and shows another aspect of her leadership: a team-first attitude.

“We don’t have any standouts as we are all at the same level,” she said. “Everyone is moving together as a team. I think if we keep playing together as a solid unit, we will do well.”

Zwettler and her teammates have said winning the OVC Tournament for the first time since 2001 is the team’s ultimate goal. For this to happen, Zwettler needs to continue progressing offensively and defensively and help foster a team first attitude.

Bob Bajek can be reached at 581-7944 or at rtbajek@eiu.edu.