Lisa Ciucci: The lovable libero

Lisa Ciucci is the libero on the SIU volleyball team. A junior from Portage, Mich., Ciucci is second on the team with 243 digs this season. She recently took time after the Salukis' defeat of Southwest Missouri State to speak with Christopher Morrical of the Daily Egyptian.

Daily Egyptian: What got you into volleyball?

Lisa Ciucci: My older sisters played volleyball. Ever since I was little I always watched the games. I always loved it, so I started playing when I was 10 and I've been playing ever since. I played for a travel volleyball team called Dead Frog.

DE: For those who don't know, would you explain what a libero is?

LC: It's an all-defensive player that can substitute in for any player they want. They have to wear a different color jersey. It doesn't have to be maroon, it can just be an opposite color of the team. They're not allowed to hit from the back row. They're not allowed to serve. They're not allowed to set in front of the 10-foot line.

DE: Do you think the new libero position is the most underrated in volleyball?

LC: I do think it's an underrated position, but I think it is an important key to the development of volleyball. I feel that it takes the game to another level, because you have somebody back there that can follow up and keep the rally going and make games longer.

DE: How does it compare with what you were doing last year?

LC: Last year, I played a defensive specialist. It was a similar position, but I was just playing half the time that I do now. So now I get to play the entire match, so that's good.

DE: Do your forearms hurt after taking all those hits?

LC: They really don't. During preseason, your arms kind of toughen up. Now, you don't even notice.

DE: How psyched are you about going to your first conference tournament?

LC: I'm really excited. I know this is something that the whole team has dreamed of and we've worked really hard for these past years. I couldn't be happier for the seniors to leave on this note.

DE: After beating SMS Friday, are you thinking about the national tournament?

LC: Yeah. I really am. I think we have the potential to be conference champions. I think we proved that [Friday]. Hopefully we'll prove it again next weekend.

DE: Let's get away from volleyball. How does Carbondale compare to your hometown of Portage, Mich.?

LC: It's a lot smaller. It took a little getting used to because it is warmer in the fall time. The leaves are beautiful. It's a smaller atmosphere, so everybody seems so friendly. It's not like I come from a huge town, but it's just a little bit bigger than Carbondale.

DE: Other than friends' houses, where do you like to hang out?

LC: I like all the beautiful nature places around Carbondale. There's a lot of scenic places to go to and enjoy doing [things]. I like to go to the Rec and go swimming sometimes. That's my hang out spots.

DE: Do you have a sports idol?

LC: If anybody, I'd say Gabrielle Reece. She really developed the game of volleyball and made it more publicly known.

DE: What do you plan to do with your major of animal science?

LC: I want to be a veterinarian. I applied to a vet school this year, but I won't find out until April. Michigan State and U of I.

DE: Short answer time. What is your favorite TV show?

LC: "Friends."

DE:Favorite character?

LC: Joey.

DE: Favorite movie?

LC: "Sixteen Candles."

DE: What was the last DVD you bought?

LC: I don't have a DVD player. And I've never bought a video. I don't like to watch movies more than once.

DE: What was the last CD you bought?

LC: A CD I'd like to buy is the new Elvis' Greatest Hits Collection. I'd really like that.

DE: What is the greatest band ever?

LC: I'd have to say Dave Matthews Band.

DE: Favorite book?

LC: Anything by Nicholas Sparks.

Reporter Christopher Morrical can be reached at cmorrical@dailyegyptian.com