One of the key aspects of a volleyball match is creating efficient passing between the libero, setter and hitter.

If the three players can play within the offensive system and pass accurately, kills will occur frequently.

If that cannot happen, the offense struggles.

The Panthers passing efficiency is significantly lower this season than last year’s mark and is negatively affecting their offensive output.

In 2007, Eastern had 1,549 assists to its opponents’ 1,452. The Panthers also outscored the opposition 1,685-1,586 in kills. Their hitting percentage was at .178.

Four Panthers tallied more than 200 kills, including former Eastern outside hitter Eliza Zwettler who had a team high 446 kills.

The story is different this season.

The 2008 season has seen a drop off in all these statistical categories. Eastern has been out-passed 845-666 in assists.

Kills are another disappointing category that has been affected by the Panthers’ poor passing. Only sophomore outside hitter Alex Zwettler is on pace to break the 200 kill barrier.

One difference this season is the lack of an experienced setter. Eastern head coach Lori Bennett had senior Maren Crabtree last year to lead the team. Crabtree had 1,096 assists in the 2007 season.

This year, freshman setter Hannah Deterding took the starting setter position on Sept. 6 against Chicago State, replacing red-shirt junior setter Lauren Schutte. Deterding has 435 assists while the team is averaging a .116 hitting percentage.

“We worry about now,” Bennett said. “We don’t look into the past.”

In Bennett’s evaluation, Deterding has improved greatly since her first start, but she said Deterding still has room for improvement.

“Hannah needs to get middle sets more consistently and set outside to the antennas,” Bennett said. “When she is not passing well and needs to make a good set, she has to work on the pressure that comes with it.”

Deterding’s learning curve is not the only reason for the Panthers’ offensive struggles.

Against Morehead State Saturday, Bennett said her team passed well the first two sets. The Eagles then countered the Panthers’ attack in the third set by serving more aggressively.

Deterding said communication is part of the problem with passing inefficiency. Improvement is needed though.

“Communication is one of the biggest issues,” Deterding said. “We’ve been passing really well, but there’s some confusion between passer and hitter.”

The setter said the team would try to forget the negatives of a poor offensive year and concentrate on building offensive rapport for the 2009 season.

“It’s kind of difficult with so many young players (this year),” Deterding said. “Our passing will get better as we get more used to playing with each other.”

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