Oct. 7, 2006

By Henry S. Conte
Associate Sports Editor
Troy Daily News

When Beth Greulich left for college she didn't know what to expect. It's safe to say, though, that she didn't expect this.

Greulich, a Troy High School graduate, is ranked 13th in the nation and is No. 1 amongst freshmen in hitting percentage for the Cleveland State University Vikings.

"I didn't know what to expect," Greulich said in a phone interview with the Troy Daily News Wednesday. "It's pretty awesome, though. "It is really fun. It's more challenging than high school. There is a lot better competition."

Greulich and her squad were on the way to Butler, Ind. for a Horizon League matchup during the interview. After that game the Vikings were heading back home and then gearing up for a game with Wright State Saturday (Oct. 7).

"I am pretty excited. I haven't been home since I got to school. I have a lot of friends that went to Wright State and I know a lot of my family is going to be there because it is going to be a game that is close to home," Greulich said. "I know a lot of girls from the Troy volleyball team are going to be there too. I am probably going to have a big crowd here, I am pretty excited."

"I haven't spoken to her about (her homecoming), but I am sure she is pretty excited," said Cleveland State coach Chuck Voss.

Greulich will bring with her a team this is 12-4 and some gaudy statistics as well. Greulich has 142 kills at a 42.7 attack percentage. She also had 46 blocks and 2.96 points per games. She has started every game this season for the Vikings.

"She has been fantastic so far," Voss said. "She certainly hasn't played like a freshman and she doesn't act like one on the court either. "Beth is as mature a freshman as I have had on the court. When she makes mistakes, and everyone does, they just roll off her back. It doesn't seem to faze her and that is really uncommon."

Though, the coach does admit, there are still some changes to make to her game.

"It is hard to change technique as a freshman, we are just concerned about getting them ready for games. But we have some things we will change in the spring," Voss said.

Playing against the improved competition, though, has only made Greulich play harder.

"It motivates me to get better, and I know I have gotten better since I have been here," Greulich said.

The differences, besides competition, have also made an impact on Greulich.

"We work out a lot more and practice longer. We don't have as many days off and we are always traveling," Greulich said.

Her longest bus trip so far was over 10 hours to Milwaukee.

"I think I have adapted well. I missed my friends and family at first, but the girls here made me feel at home," Greulich said.

This Saturday, she'll get to bring her friends at her new home to see her first home.