Elise Goetzinger, left (Vicky Graff Photo)
No one had to tell Elise Goetzinger that playing volleyball in the Southeastern Conference was a big step up from the level of high school and club volleyball she had played before.
“This team is set up for success. They get you ready for every possible moment,” said the 6-4 Goetzinger.
She got significant minutes in Kentucky’s matches against Tennessee when the Cats won 3-0, 3-2 to open the season. Kentucky will play again Wednesday and Thursday nights at Missouri, which opened the season by winning 3-0, 3-1 at Alabama.
Goetzinger was a second-team Under Armour All-American in high school and rated among the nation’s top 30 players in her recruiting class by Prep Volleyball. She had 1,400 kills in three varsity seasons.
The freshman says senior All-American setter Madison Lilley makes her play a lot easier.
“I’ve had good setters but this is a new level,” Goetzinger said. “Working on connections with her is a big thing we have been doing in practice. Madison is something.
“If she tells you that you have to do something or you can do something, you believe it. If I miss on a hit, she will get it back to me. It gives me confidence knowing she believes in me.”
