Libero comes from the Latin word meaning free
and Sarah Petrulis' game is reflective of that.
The libero position, which primarily focuses on playing the back row of the court, is one of the most overlooked spots on the floor. Petrulis, a junior from Westlake, Ohio, has become one of head coach Ryan Theis's go-to players, often providing highlight-reel saves to keep volleys alive.
As libero, Petrulis can be regularly substituted outside of the normal allowance of 12 substitutions per set and her replacement can only play the back row. She cannot participate in the attack or reach above the net.
Ball control and distribution are the main roles of a libero, who sets the tone of the offense with the first touch (the bump).
The libero contacts the first ball almost half of the time Theis said. It's basically someone who's going to play the back row and they can't attack beyond the 10-foot line.
Sarah does a really nice job for us. We put her back there because she is probably our best passer and best at first contact touches.
Although she was an outsider hitter during her high school career and throughout club volleyball
Petrulis is embracing her new role patrolling the backcourt.
I was recruited by (former coach Geoff Carlston) as a defensive specialist, mainly because I'm only like 5 feet 7 inches or 5 feet 8 inches, Petrulis joked.
I had many opportunities last year to be libero, but there were three of us constantly battling for the position and it rotated. This year, I had a pretty good pre-season, and Ryan saw something in me that got me here.
Petrulis has certainly stepped up in her role
and is statistically one of the Bobcats' best diggers
recording 48 digs in her last three matches ' 11 better than her previous career-high in a three-match stretch.
Petrulis's skills have not gone unnoticed by her teammates.
Her reaction time in the left back is just phenomenal, junior outside hitter Ellen Herman said. She just sticks an arm out and gets a perfect pass off. It's incredible.
She's a great person
too
and a great asset to our team.
Although her teammates are quick to point out her exceptional reaction time, Petrulis herself admitted that instinct plays a large part in keeping the play going.
I think it's a little bit of both (instinct and reading the play)
Petrulis said. Sometimes
I don't even know I'm doing these things. I just reach back for the ball and try to get a hand on it
that's my first reaction.
Last season, the libero position was often rotated between Petrulis and senior Molly Mangan. So far this season, Petrulis is the only player to dress as libero for the Bobcats, and that doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon.
I would like to think I'll stay (as libero for the rest of the year)
