New York Liberties
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The New York Liberties were one of six teams in the Major League Volleyball franchise. The league began in 1987 and ended short of completing a full season in 1989. Players consisted of former collegiate All Americans and Olympians. The level of play was highly competitive (above that of even the best Division I college teams) and fast paced and utilized either a 5/1 and 6/2 defense.
The Liberties placed 3rd in 1987 and 4th in 1988.
Rules at the time were a bit different. The ball could not touch the net on a serve, and games were to 15 (no rally scoring). And then of course there were those uniforms. In 1988 the franchise changed the rules so that game five would move to rally scoring. Perhaps a little too late at an attempt to keep the energy and interest high.
The Liberties were led by legend and Hall of Fame player/coach Mary Jo Peppler who was the setter in 1987 and for most of 1988 except in a few matches in which former Olympian and later beach player/partner Karolyn Kirby filled in. Mary Jo, even at the ripe old age of 42, had a wicked jump serve, and as a left handed setter was respected as a serious threat at the net. Perhaps the most effective player in the league with the second option hit or dump shot.
Players for this team were: Jo Ellen Vrazel (RS)(88-89); April Chappel (OH) (1987); Sandy Aughinbaugh (OH) (87-88); Karolyn Kirby (OH) (replaced Chappel in 1987-88); Wendy Stevenson S/Def. Specialist)(87-88); Laura Smith (MB); Ellen Crandal Orner (MB)(1988); Ellen Bugalski (MB)(1987); Nina Mathies (1988); Lira Vance (1988); .
Lesser Known Stuff:
The Liberties were known for being a strong, powerful and tall team, but not the quickest. They were only one of two teams to utilize a 6/2 system. Peppler and Stevenson were the setters, however Peppler soon opted for a 5/1 system with herself as the setter.
Ellen Crandal Orner had an itimidating gaze at the net. A native Pennsilvanian, her hometown college Penn State named an ice cream flavor after her called the "Crandal Crunch." Orner was traded to the NY Liberties in 1988 from the Chicago Breeze where there were apparently some chemistry challenges. Ellen started MLV with the Dallas Belles in 1987.
Laura Smith's father died during her second year with the team and dedicated one of her matches in his memory. Smith was also known for her competitive and fiesty spirit was a great asset to the Liberty block.
April Chappel left the team prematurely in 1987 due to an injury. April was an amazingly talented outside hitter for the liberties and her absence was a big loss to the team.
Sandy Auginbaugh started season two while attending law school and missed some practice with the team. It showed as she was slow to get her normal stride. Auginbaugh was Major League Volleyballs best server in 1987, a designation that had she won in 1988 whould have netted her $5,000.00 extra as the league began with pay incentives for performance. That was a lodda cheddah, yo!
Mary Jo Peppler was on the 1964 Olympic team (I wish I had a video of that)! At 42 years young Peppler kept those twenty-something former All Americans on their toes.
Heavy Handed Hitters: Jo Ellen Vrazel, April Chappel, and Sandy Auginbaugh.
