The big day - Carlile, Otahks open home schedule

Bobbi Carlile turns 21 today. She's not looking for any special birthday gifts -- a win in Southeast Missouri State University's volleyball home opener would do just fine.

"That's really all I want for my birthday, for us to win," Carlile said.

If the Otahkians (5-6) do knock off Saint Louis University (6-4) in today's 6 p.m. match at Houck Field House, it's likely Carlile will play a big role.

Southeast's senior floor captain is off to a big start this year and leads the Otahkians in kills with 177. Her average of 4.66 kills per game ranks second in the Ohio Valley Conference and she was tied for 17th nationally in the most recent NCAA statistics last week.

"Bobbi is having a wonderful start to the season," Southeast coach Cindy Gannon said. "She's one of our leaders, and she leads by example. Her work ethic is unbelievable. The other girls see that and follow her."

Carlile is not a vocal leader, but as one of the Otahkians' four seniors she tries to set the right example for her teammates, particularly younger ones. Carlile serves as Southeast's captain on the floor while fellow senior Emily Wahlman is the team captain.

"We have four seniors and each has their own niche as a leader," Carlile said. "I'm the floor captain and I try to make sure everybody stays together on the floor. Emily is the one who communicates with coach a lot.

"I try to lead by example. I don't really talk a whole lot, but if I do things right then hopefully the team follows that."

Carlile said the Otahkians are following well so far. Despite their current losing record, Southeast has faced a brutal non-conference schedule featuring matches against several of the nation's premier teams.

"I think we're playing real well and meshing well together," she said. "Coach makes our preseason a little tough so we'll be ready for conference. I think it's going to help us in the long run."

Carlile is confident the Otahkians won't have a repeat of last year's Ohio Valley Conference season, when they finished fourth to mark the first time they have not placed in the top three since joining the league in 1991. Southeast had won seven of the past eight OVC titles prior to last season.

"I really think we're going to have a good seasons," she said. "Being my senior year, it's important we win the conference and I think we've got a good chance."

A native of Pleasant Hill, Mo., outside Kansas City, Carlile played sparingly during her first two seasons at Southeast. But she had a breakout performance last year stepping in for graduated star hitters Lea Beckemeyer and Krista Haukap, leading the Otahkians in kills to make second-team all-OVC.

The 5-foot-11 Carlile is again putting up big numbers this season, giving Gannon reason to put her name along side some of the Otahkians' standout hitters from years past.

"Bobbi is right up there. She hits the ball as hard as any of them," Gannon said. "And she's so athletic, which really helps her out."

While Carlile seems headed for an all-star type of season, she said personal accomplishments don't really interest her.

"All I really want is for the team to do well," she said.

Carlile also wouldn't mind seeing a big crowd at Houck today as the Otahkians finally end a grueling stretch of road matches that has included tough tournaments at Southwest Missouri State, Bradley and Kansas.

"It seems like we've been on the road forever. It's going to be great to finally be at home," she said, smiling. "We've been trying to recruit fans this week and we've been telling the football players about it. I expect a good crowd."

That, along with a win, would be Carlile's perfect birthday present.

mmishow@semissourian.com

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