Saint Louis University volleyball coach Marilyn Nolen knew coming into this season that she would have to rely on freshmen.

The question was whether they would respond by playing well right away or if it would be a difficult transition to the college game.

Freshmen hitters Colleen Hunter and Brooke Minniear fall into the former category.

Hunter and Minniear, both outside hitters, have been playing superbly this season. With Hunter starting and Minniear coming off the bench, they have made a potent pair.

Last weekend was a prime example. The team fell to DePaul but bounced back against Marquette, with the two freshmen contributing all the way. Hunter had 25 kills and 15 digs while Minniear racked up 20 digs.

Minniear and Hunter knew that they had tough tasks ahead of them in terms of getting playing time. Both agreed that due to their youth they didn’t expect to see much playing time.

“I knew there was a chance to see court time, but I would have to work hard and prove myself as a freshman,” said Minniear.

Hunter added, “I’ve always played in the middle, so I had no idea what to expect, as far as playing time. I knew Cristal [Leonard] and Laura [Risley] were ahead of me.”

Head volleyball coach Marilyn Nolen is impressed with the development of her freshmen as a whole.

Nolen said, “I’ve been real pleased with our freshman class.”

Nolen likes what both players bring to the team.

Of Hunter she said, “She continues to improve and has a great attitude. She’s always trained hard, and she’s doing really well.”

Of Minniear, Nolen noted, “She’s a real gamer. When there is a pressure situation, Brooke wants the ball. She’s a real fighter. When everything is going down hill, she gives the team composure.”

When asked if they were surprised with their performance, both players answered that because they didn’t really know what to expect at the college level they had no idea how they would adjust.

After they began practicing with the rest of the team, they found that they were a good team. Now Minniear and Hunter expect to play at a higher level.

Hunter said, “We’re not freshman anymore. We know that we can play well.”

And play well they have: Hunter has 247 kills, 21 assists and 51 digs this year. She ranks second on the team in kills behind Risley. Minniear has 137 kills and 233 digs this year. She ranks second on the team in digs, behind junior outside hitter Jessica Moss.

Minniear says her best performance this year was against the University of South Florida, where she posted 27 digs and 12 kills.

Hunter believes her best performance was against UNC-Charlotte, where she had zero errors and a .714 hitting percentage in three games.

Minniear and Hunter both agreed that as good as the Bills are, they’re very happy to have Risley on their side of the net.

Hunter said, “She’s awesome, we depend on her a lot. She’s such a good person and even though she could, she doesn’t flaunt her seniority.”

There is more than volleyball with these two athletes. School is a large part of their lives as well.

Minniear said that even though she’s busy, she doesn’t mind.

“I’ve nearly mastered time management,” she said.

Hunter said of being so busy, “It’s good that I stay busy, since when I have free time I don’t know what to do.”

Both student-athletes plan on graduating, but Hunter is still undecided on her major. Minniear is pre-med and communications.

“I’m hoping for a double major, or major and a minor.”

Last weekend the Bills dropped a five set decision to the DePaul Blue Demons in Chicago. DePaul beat SLU 11-15, 15-9, 15-10, 9-15, 15-11.

SLU then went on to play Marquette and defeat the Golden Eagles in four sets. SLU won 4-16, 15-4, 15-12, 15-11.

The Bills are 17-4 overall and 4-3 in Conference USA. They play Southern Mississippi and Tulane this weekend.