SIUC volleyball team captain Erika Holladay says the absence of a professional volleyball league makes her senior year even more important.

Holladay and fellow outside hitter Traci Eggers will enter their final season as members of the Saluki team.

It’s kind of scary; this is the finale, Holladay said. Most people have the NBA or something to go on to, but after this (season), this is when we’re done.

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Holladay, who transferred to SIUC after playing two seasons at Eastern Wyoming Junior College, opened her senior season by garnering All-Tournament honors at the Carolina/Nike Fall Invitational in Chapel Hill, N.C., last weekend.

Coach Sonya Locke said she was not surprised by Holladay’s efforts over the course of the tournament.

(Holladay) worked really hard physically this summer and came back in great shape, she said. I think that when it’s time for someone to step up, she is one that has the potential to do that.

By starting her final season on such a positive note, Holladay hopes to continue her efforts as well as encourage teammates.

I think you want your last season to be the best, she said. I have to be a leader, and I’m going to work just as hard or maybe even harder to give them a reason to keep working with me.

Redshirt freshman setter Kathy Dulle said Holladay’s leadership gives the team a mental and physical boost.

Erika is the captain we look to her for leadership, and she makes us smile, Dulle said. If you’re feeling down, you can’t play up to your potential.

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While Holladay is striving to make the most out of her final season, the injury-prone Eggers said though she will miss volleyball, she needs time away from the game.

Eggers has suffered from various injuries ranging from back problems, ankle sprains and shoulder surgery.

I’ve had injuries every year, Eggers said. My body has taken its toll, it needs a rest. Every time I get to my high point, where I feel that I’m ready to play and help my team, something usually happens.

With Eggers’ 10 years of playing experience, beginning in junior high, newcomers to the team often look to her for advice.

Freshman middle blocker Molly Meeker said she often asks Eggers for helpful tips.

She definitely has a lot of experience, Meeker said. If I have any questions, she’s always there for me.

Though Eggers is willing to accept the role of leader, she does not expect to treated differently by her teammates.

I don’t feel just because I’m a senior I’m better than them, Eggers said. I really hate when people take their seniority and think their almighty. I don’t think of classes. The team should play as a whole.

Locke said Eggers is eager to have the chance to compete without having to cope with an injury.

I think she hasn’t had a healthy season since her freshman year, Locke said. She just really wants to get out there and have the opportunity.

Fittingly enough, Eggers recalls her proudest moment as a player when she replaced an injured Heather Herdes, during her freshman year, in a televised game against Northern Iowa University in 1994.

The girl in front of me got hurt, and I came in and got player of the game, Eggers said. Coming in as a freshman, I played really well.

Eggers said despite the many problems she has overcome, volleyball will be deeply missed.

I’ve made so many friends from being on the volleyball team, I’m definitely going to miss it, she said. I hope we can win the (Missouri Valley Conference) and get to the NCAA tournament. I know we can do it.