College of Southern Idaho middle blocker Torrey Hulsey doesn't have a jump serve like setter Jelena Savic. She's maybe only a touch taller than outside hitter Jessica Peacock (both are listed at 6-foot-1). She doesn't have the foot speed or hitting power of fellow middle Alyssa Wistrick. Unlike libero Britani Hathorn, who makes it her personal goal to dig up every ball in sight, Hulsey is stoked with a couple of perfect passes in a row.

But Hulsey knows her importance to the Golden Eagles volleyball team: Her role is to be one of the best blockers in the country, and she's fulfilled all expectations so far.

With a long wingspan and soft hands, Hulsey has been the defensive stalwart for CSI (30-5). Hulsey is the most prolific blocker in the SWAC (115 blocks, 1.264 per game) and is 27th nationally in total blocks and 16th in block average.

"Torrey had talent when she got here, and she's picked up the college game very quickly," said CSI head coach Heidi Cartisser. "She's worked hard."

Hulsey has also had one of the best middle blockers in the country, Wistrick, to learn from. Both concede Hulsey is a better blocker, but she's working hard to improve her hitting ability out of the middle.

"I really look up to Alyssa," said Hulsey. "I'm really trying to be like her, and working on hitting the ball as hard and well as she does."

Said Wistrick: "She's a better blocker than I am, and I can learn from that. She's had game from the minute she got here, and she just keeps getting better and better."

Hulsey and Wistrick push each other and learn from each other, making both of them better. While those two generate headlines for their starting middle tandem, there's a third middle, Brianna Cox, who is right there pushing both hard for their spots on the floor.

"A lot of the focus is on Torrey and Alyssa, but I think that Brianna has stepped up her game as well," Cartisser said. "It's at the point where I can rotate any of the three of them, they're all right there."

The offense has been getting quicker and more effective, as judged by big wins over Salt Lake Community College and North Idaho ahead of this weekend's Region 18 Tournament in Salt Lake City. CSI will open up with a semifinal match at 4 p.m., after receiving a first-round bye.

Where does the focus fall this weekend?

With the middles, of course, but not just with them this time. When tournament time rolls around, after all, it takes a solid effort from everyone involved.

"It's going to be a team effort," said Cartisser. "But if we can pass the ball and our hitters can connect with the setters, we're going to be fine."

David Bashore may be reached at 208-735-3230 or dbashore@magicvalley.com.

Region 18 Tournament At Salt Lake CC Friday's matches Match 1: No. 6 Colorado Northwestern vs. No. 3 North Idaho, 10 a.m. Match 2: No. 5 Eastern Utah vs. No. 4 Snow College, 1 p.m. Match 3: Match 1 winner vs. No. 2 CSI, 4 p.m. Match 4: Match 2 winner vs. No. 1 Salt Lake, 7 p.m. Saturday's match Championship: Match 3 winner vs. Match 4 winner, 1 p.m.