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Published on 11/06/1995 All articles from this issue

Athlete of the Week

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Roz Pelayo

She's usually the smallest player on the volleyball court, but Roz Pelayo may be the biggest factor in St. Francis' success.

While the booming kills of Jamey Scritchfield, Vicki Viso and Shelly Glennon register points, it's Pelayo's precise sets that get the ball in position for the ensuing damage. And her tenacious defense and smooth serves aren't bad either.

"I make up for (lack of) height by working a lot harder: getting up to the block, playing knee-scrape defense and using my speed to get to the ball," she said.

The 5-foot-5 senior put it all together last Wednesday in St. Francis' three-game sweep of Los Gatos. On the night, Pelayo amassed 21 assists, three service aces and a rare kill - something that she chuckled about after the match.

Pelayo, who earned second-team All-American honors with her Central Coast club last summer, is a three-year varsity starter for St. Francis. As a sophomore, she was an all-state selection in the Lancers' win over Torrey Pines of San Diego in the championship match.

With a 31-3 record and another Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division crown under its belt, St. Francis looks poised to once again defend the state title. But Pelayo and the Lancers know they'll have to work hard against taller teams.

And, as their practice jerseys say, they'll have to Deal With It. "That implies a certain type of attitude: play your best with what you've got," she said. "We play scrappy, with heart and determination."

- Andy Nystrom