Goble hoping for bounce-back

In three years as Eastern New Mexico University’s setter, Margie Goble set single-season and career records for assists.

After sitting out last year with a torn right ACL sustained on the second day of practice, she’s coming back focused more on team goals for the Zias.

ENMU volleyball coach Mike Maguire said the 5-foot-8 senior from San Antonio could be used again in the setter’s role this season. Or she could be a front-row hitter, or a back-row passer.

“If you asked her what she wanted, she’d say she wants a (Lone Star) Conference championship,” Maguire said.

Goble, who’s had two sisters come through the volleyball program at ENMU before her, says she’s just happy to be playing again.

“I hope to set, just because that (position is) the easiest on my body,” she said. “But wherever they want to put me, I’ll go. I just want to play.

“I can’t wait to step on the court (in competition) for the first time with my team. It’s been a long time coming.”

Her main competition at setter is junior Amber McCarthy, a transfer from Orange Coast (Calif.) Community College.

Goble said the two push each other in practice.

“She’s really awesome at defense,” Goble said. “We both work really hard, but it just comes down to what coach says.”

Maguire said Goble has worked hard to rehab her injury. She tore her left ACL while in high school, and said she’s had three surgeries on that knee over the years.

In addition, she developed a shoulder problem during the spring which has also required rehab.

“It’s been a lot of hard work, but I’ve listened to the doctors,” Goble said. “It was hard to watch (last year), but the team made the conference tournament; they did well.

In some ways, Maguire said, the year off from playing has helped Goble.

“We’ve watched her grow up basically,” he said. “She’s really improved her maturity level.

“She’s got great work ethic and has worked hard rehabbing to try to have a great senior year.”

Maguire thinks the Zias, who scrambled late in the season to post their 15th consecutive winning record (16-15), are in position to surprise some people this year after being picked for third in the Lone Star Conference South Division preseason poll.

“Practice has been going well,” he said. “We had a spirited scrimmage situation (Wednesday) night. I think we’ll have more depth than we’ve had in the last couple of years.”