Young Squad Emphasizes Hustle and Versatility

by Drew Giudice

sports editor

Lady Majors volleyball is coming off one of the most successful seasons in program history. The 2012 team amassed 25 wins and finished second in both the inaugural regular season and conference tournament of the SAA. Unfortunately, that team graduated four seniors who played key roles on and off the court.

photo courtesy The Bobashela
photo courtesy The Bobashela

The departure of so much talent and experience brings opportunity for younger players to take on larger roles. Caroline McKey and Taylor Zeigler, both juniors, bring back valuable experience and talent to the lineup. A player whose role will increase dramatically is sophomore Lexus Andrews, having switched positions from outside hitter to middle blocker. Casey Brown, the lone senior on the team, will be looked to for veteran leadership from the libero position. Brown says she feels a team strength this year will be its scrappy mentality. She notes, “We are going to get those balls that may seem unreturnable and somehow keep it in play. Being a scrappy team will take us a long way.”

The Lady Majors are coached once again by Jaime Fisher. She comments that staying healthy is a concern for this year’s team, which only features 11 players on the roster. The ladies may be forced to play multiple positions because of the low numbers. Fisher says, “Overall we have good athletes that I can really put wherever I need them to go. We need all 11 girls to make this season happen.”

After a 6-3 start, the schedule provides little relief. The Majors travel to Atlanta for the Emory Classic this weekend, where they will face three nationally or regionally ranked teams. Next week starts conference play with a visit to SAA rival Birmingham-Southern. Catch them in the Hangar Dome Sept. 21 and 22.