Unsung heroes of the backcourt

Tracy Bulquerin and Melissa Ohta.

Although their names are not usually in the news, both are members of Long Beach State women's volleyball team and both play a huge part in the 49ers' success.

Bulquerin, a 5'3" sophomore, and Ohta, a 5'6" senior, both play as defensive specialists, a position less glorified than higher profile offensive positions.

"We get the balls banged at us and provide some control. A lot of calmness comes from the back row," Bulquerin said. "We set the tone and take pride in that."

Bulquerin has been playing volleyball for 10 years.

She played a variety of sports growing up, but began concentrating on volleyball in high school, where she learned the distinctive Long Beach style of play.

"Our position makes the game a lot more exciting," Bulquerin said. "It demoralizes the other team."

She redshirted her freshman year at LBSU and appeared in four games in 1999, but is looking to get more playing time this season.

"Defensive specialists never get the recognition because they're not as noticeable," explained Head Coach Brian Gimmillaro. "They are the heart and soul and the attitude of the team."

Ohta, who is this season's team captain, has definitely come a long way. She only began playing her freshman year of high school, an unusually late start in a sport as competitive as volleyball.

"I was horrible in the beginning, but I got a little bit better by the time I left," Ohta said modestly. "I knew I wanted to play here, because not too many programs have short people playing."

She made the 49er squad as a walk-on and only received an athletic scholarship this year, which makes her being chosen team captain all the more special, she said.

Ohta made 291 digs in 117 games last season, averaging 2.49 digs per game.

"Melissa was my roommate for two years," said Bulquerin. "She's my inspiration. I'll miss her when she leaves."

Bulquerin added that she and Ohta used to be called "the midgets."

Now, she said, they hold a more respectable title, as the "ball control people."

"The character of the team is symbolized by the defensive specialists," Gimmillaro said. "They're vital, you've got to be willing to give to the team and they've always done that."

Both players are optimistic about the upcoming season.

"The same goal every year is to win a national championship," Bulquerin said. "We work harder than anyone I know."

Ohta agreed with Bulquerin.

"We have a really good chance at winning it all," said Ohta, who plans on coaching after college.

Playing isn't really an option at her height, she said. "This is my last hurrah."

So at the 49ers' next volleyball game, look in the back row for the shortest girls with the loudest voices. Bulquerin and Ohta may be short in stature, but they are definitely not short on talent.