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Photo by Bob Pennell Middle hitter Becky Naumes, left, has helped the Crusaders get into the swing of things. SM seeks one more banner Although easily ignored, the motivating factor guiding the Crusader volleyball team lurks high up in the St. Mary's High gymnasium. On the wall opposite the gymnasium entrance, there is a blank space. Just to the right of the wooden placard signifying the 1993 state basketball championship and above the one recording individual state champions from 1957-97 at St. Mary's, there is a spot begging to be filled. Senior standout Becky Naumes says she knows a perfect filler for the lonesome space. "My hopes are to get all of our names up there on the wall and get some recognition for the volleyball team," says Naumes. "It's all boys up there. I'd like that to change." Football, track, basketball and baseball teams, as well as several individuals who finished as state champions or runner-up at state are honored with their names posted on the gymnasium wall for all to remember. Volleyball has yet to be recognized, and Naumes and crew stress "yet." "I really think we have a chance this year," Naumes says. "You never really know going into it, but we have a chance. I'm really confident with this team." That confidence has been built thanks to the efforts of second-year coach James Joy and a tremendous lineup of talent that includes sisters Maren and Kristen Zielony, sisters Crystal and Cheyenne Galedrige, Juliana de Sousa Solis, Lani Brophy and a cast of other contributors. St. Mary's enters the state playoffs with a 19-3 record, having won three straight trips to the state tournament by winning three straight league championships. Be it the Big Fir or Southern Cascade leagues, the Crusaders have gone undefeated in conference play each season. And each season, Naumes has been there to help guide the fortunes for St. Mary's, which has finished as high as third in state during that stretch. In her last season, Naumes is hoping to equal that feat _ and hopefully do even more. "I think we have a definite shot at the top four. After that, who knows?" says Naumes. "It just takes four wins." The first chance for St. Mary's will be today against Enterprise at 2 p.m. at Lane Community College in Eugene. By Saturday night, the championship will be decided. In that span, Naumes will be a key factor in determining whether St. Mary's adds a wooden placard or the Crusaders must wait another season. Joy says he has no problems pinning his team's destiny on the capable shoulders of his battle-tested senior leader. "I think she's real inspirational," the coach says of Naumes. "She's the kind of player other girls want to play with. She just makes them better." Joy says the 5-foot-11 middle hitter has all the tools to carry the Crusaders to the title. Naumes is averaging eight kills, seven digs and three blocks per game this season. "She's a real offensive threat, but she is also solid defensively on serve and receive," the coach says. "There's a lot of other good players in our league, but she's head and shoulders above them I think. "The other thing about Becky is she's a team player. She'll do whatever it takes." That includes taking a hard look into the mirror every so often. "She's always trying to improve," says Joy. "She's always asking questions and always looking to correct the minor faults in her game _ not that she has many. That just makes her so much better." Naumes says, as a senior, she feel it's her role to make a big play when St. Mary's needs it most or pump up her teammates to seize the opportunity when it's their chance. "Her personality is quiet," Joy says of Naumes, "but when we're on the court or in practice, she is a vocal leader 100 percent. She tries to get everyone motivated and play at a higher level." She and Joy both emphasize, however, that each one of the Crusaders plays a big role in the team's successful ventures. "Becky's the main player on the team, but everyone contributes," says Joy. And if Naumes has her way, everyone's name will provide a perfect solution to that glaring blank spot on the gymnasium wall at St. Mary's. Today's Sports Index Mail Tribune Copyright� The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford,