by Brandon Call
Daily Lobo
Junior Gayle Tripp spends most of her time trying to thwart attacks.
Tripp is UNM's libero - a defensive player who may pass, serve and dig balls but can't attack inside the 10-foot line or over the height of the net.
Head coach Jeff Nelson said the libero is an important position for a team.
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"A libero has to be a solid passer," he said. "They see a lot of time on court, and they are really the backbone of a team's defense. They get a lot of balls hit at them every match."
As the libero, Tripp leads the Lobos in digs with 244 on the season. She is fourth in the Mountain West Conference, averaging 4.52 digs per game.
Tripp said she will do just about anything to stop a ball from hitting the floor for a point.
"It takes a certain mind-set," Tripp said. "You have to be willing to sacrifice your body. You also can't be afraid of the ball and the floor. I do whatever it takes to get a dig."
This mind-set - paired with other attributes - make Tripp a solid defensive player, Nelson said.
"Gayle is an experienced player," he said. "She anticipates where the ball is going to go, and she puts herself in good positions to make the big plays. She's very aggressive on defense and very stable in passing. She also brings a certain energy and intensity to the court."
Tripp has played the positions of libero and defensive specialist ever since she began playing volleyball in fifth grade.
Tripp said her height limits her play to defense.
"I've never been the tallest player, so I can't really hit or block that well," Tripp said. "I've always played in the back row. Since I can't put down a kill, I put all my effort to trying to stop others from getting kills."
Since coming to UNM, Tripp has recorded 945 career digs for the Lobos. She is 10th on the UNM career dig list, needing only 554 more digs to surpass All-American Sharon Browning for the top spot.
"Gayle may very well pass the all-time dig record," Nelson said. "She certainly has the drive and athleticism to do it. As long as she stays healthy and maintains her level of play, she could capture it sometime next season."
Besides being a great defensive player, Tripp is also a local product. She graduated from Rio Rancho High School in 2004, where she earned three all-state honors and guided the Rams to state titles in 2002 and 2003.
Tripp said she is lucky to play in her hometown.
"It's great to play here," she said. "My parents and family get to come to all the home games and watch me compete. Being a Lobo fan my whole life, I've always wanted to play for UNM, and I'm thankful to have the opportunity."
After her collegiate career, Tripp wants to continue playing volleyball, she said.
"I would like to go overseas and play volleyball professionally," she said. "If not, being a coach or assistant coach at the college level would be awesome. No matter what, I just want to always be a part of the sport of volleyball."
Volleyball vs. TCU
Today, 6:30 p.m.
Johnson Gym
