GRIEGO DIGS IN ON DEFENSE.

Byline: Heather Gripp Daily News Staff Writer

She goes about her work quietly, not seeking the spotlight and playing a position where it rarely shines. Still, Jennifer Griego finds a way to stand out.

The sophomore defensive specialist for Antelope Valley College's volleyball team is leading the Foothill Conference in digs while anchoring a young Marauders team that has struggled with a 4-5 record. With an average of 4.86 digs a game, Griego is ranked third in California with 223 digs.

``Without her back there, we'd be hurting,'' coach Jane Cwayna said. ``She's very important.

``We don't have a real strong blocking team, so she ends up facing the other teams' strongest hitters. She has to dig a lot of balls. I think she takes pride in that.''

In 1996, Griego provided 173 digs, good for second-best in the conference, with a 47-percent perfect passing rate to earn second team All-Foothill Conference honors.

The multitalented Griego is good for more than just digs, though.

``She's a great hitter,'' said teammate Connie Medina. ``She knows how to set. She's the best passer we have; I believe the best in the conference. She's leading the conference in digs.

``I remember the one thing I'd say about her in high school was `watch out for No. 10,' '' Medina said, recalling the matchups between her Palmdale High team and Griego's Antelope Valley team. ``It was really strange to see a setter who's also a good hitter.''

While the 19-year-old Griego, who took up the sport in sixth grade, still tackles all aspects of the game, her specialty lies in the back row.

``I'm pretty short for the front row,'' Griego said, ``So I'm not as effective as in the back row. My main thing now has been back row and defense.''

A quintessential team player, Griego is valued for more than her ability on the court.

``She's intense, competitive,'' Cwayna said. ``Sometimes you lead by example. She does that a lot. She leads with her effort and hustle.

``She's a team player. She's not the type to showboat or look for attention.''

At Griego's position, attention is not frequent.

``It's not as glorious as a kill,'' she said of her defense. ``Only sometimes do you get the recognition if it's a really good up. Sometimes the coaches notice, but a lot of other people don't. It's not like it's the end of the play with a kill or sideout.''

More interested in winning than recognition, Griego is known for her intensity on the court.

``She's determined and aggressive,'' Medina said, ``a perfectionist.''

``Out on the court, I don't like to lose,'' Griego said. ``I don't like to drop so I go after balls more.

``I try to motivate by example. It's frustrating to lose, but it's more frustrating if everyone isn't giving a full effort.''

The volleyball court is not the only place Griego extends herself. School and family are also important to the kinesiology major who hopes to continue her playing career next year at a four-year school.

``I've always had goals,'' she said, ``and I just go for them.''

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Photo

Photo: Antelope Valley College sophomore Jennifer Griego leads the Foothill Conference in digs and ranks third in the state.

Jeff Goldwater / Daily News