During the introductions of the Southeast Missouri match Thursday night, the Eastern volleyball team lined up for the Panthers’ starters to be named.

One by one, their names were announced to the Lantz Arena crowd.

Then No. 6 was introduced as a starter, something that hasn’t happened since Sept. 2 against Indiana State. No. 6 is junior libero Shaina Boylan.

Boylan missed the last 11 matches because of tonsillitis.

Boylan went all out throughout her first match back on the court. On the second serve, the libero dove for the ball with abandon and barely dug it out with her outstretched hand.

Boylan dove for a few more balls and managed to collect a match-high 20 digs.

“I was very excited to be back in any way, shape or form,” Boylan said.

Last season, Boylan also struggled through sickness after having a bout with mononucleosis. She was forced to miss the final eight matches of the year.

“Since last year, I got payback for being healthy for my whole life.” Boylan said.

Boylan said it was difficult to sit on the sidelines and watch instead of play. Before being ill at the end of last year, Boylan played in 50 matches her freshman and sophomore years.

“It was hard especially that I couldn’t talk most of the time,” Boylan said about having tonsillitis. “It was hard to watch practice, I’m the kind of person who likes to be active.”

With a doctor’s clearance to start playing again on Sept. 26, Boylan slowly went back to practice. Monday was her first time lifting in a month.

During Boylan’s absence, the Panthers limped to a 1-11 record. Freshman libero Brittany Wallace started in place of Boylan and played well, getting 130 of her 157 digs this season in that span.

Wallace said Boylan has helped her learn how to play the position better in practice.

Boylan recalled the advice she gave Wallace earlier in the season.

“There is a lot of pressure on the libero to pass constantly,” Boylan said. “If you make a mistake, it could affect you. I told her to relax and keep calm.”

Eastern head coach Lori Bennett said she was happy to have Boylan back on the court. With Boylan’s presence, she will be another upperclassman starter to lead Eastern along with senior middle hitter Lauren Sopcic.

“Shay does a nice job passing,” Bennett said. ” It is comforting for the younger players with her presence (on the court).”

In addition to her return, the libero is going after her 1,000th career dig this weekend. She currently has 972 digs.

“It would be fun to do that,” Boylan said.

Boylan’s presence provides a boost in talent and leadership for Eastern, and her fearlessness will assist the Panthers in their hunt for another win.

Bob Bajek can be reached at 582-7944 or at [email protected].