University of the Cumberlands Volleyball 08-09 Preview

Having ended the 07-08 season with a disappointing 9-27 record, the Patriot Volleyball team looks to improve their record for the 08-09 season. The ladies hope to enter the season with a renewed sense of teamwork and motivation. Coach Kara Clemenz stated, “It was definitely a building year, but our season ended on a high note.  Looking back on the season, I'm realizing how much our team grew in skills and unity.  The transition from high school to college involves a learning curve for any athlete.  This past year we relied on many freshmen who didn't have the chance to ease their way into this new level of play.  These young athletes were thrown right in with two options, sink or swim.  Our team swam last year; we fought many battles and demonstrated perseverance like I've never seen.” 

With her first year as head coach under her belt, Coach Clemenz feels her team has what it needs to be a success with so much potential talent on the team after a great learning season for the young players. “I’m excited to see the ladies new and refined skills on display this fall,” stated Clemenz. “ We had a very productive offseason. I'm expecting to see a great deal of growth from our younger players and leadership from our upcoming seniors. I’m looking forward to coaching great ball against great competition.”

After losing to nearly every conference foe during the 2007 season, the team headed into the Mid-South Conference Tournament knocking off the Pikeville College Bears to win a spot in the semi-finals. Clemenz goals for the 2008 season definitely look to begin where they left off. “We look to move backup in the Mid-South Conference, increase our hitting percentage, and be more aggressive at serving,” stated Clemenz.

Heather Rutherford and Sara Crooke, two outstanding seniors who provided the Patriots with leadership on and off the floor were graduated this past season. “Heather proved to be a well-rounded player and a positive leader throughout the season,” said Clemenz. “Sara was always willing to fill any role asked of her.”

A slew of talented athletes who fought to produce an impressive record of awards and statistics will look to take the Patriots back to the top. Taran Johnson (London, KY) will be a critical member of the 08 teams’ success. In 2007, Johnson led the Patriots in Solo Blocks (95), Assisted Blocks (76), Total Blocks (171), Blocks per Game (2.49), Kills (299), and Kills per Game (2.49). In addition, she was a member of the 2007-2008 All-Conference Honorable Mention Team. Erika Barnes (Fairfield, OH) dominated with a team high attack percentage of .248 and was also a member of the 2007-08 All-Conference Honorable Mention Team. Her leadership and attack abilities will be counted on again in 08. Lauren Taylor (Villia Hills, KY) and Kaylyn Suttles (Cincinnati, OH) were also both members of the All-Conference Honorable Mention Team last season. Taylor earned the honor of Mid-South Conference Setter of the Week on September 3, 2008. She also led the team in several categories in 07 including: Assists (534), Assists per Game (5.80), Serving Aces (55), and Serving Aces per Game (.60). Suttles, who finished leading the team in Digs (569) and Digs per Game (4.95) in 07, was named Libero of the Week on October 1st.

Other returners who look to step up their game and earn a starting role include: Emma Glancy (Bellevue, KY), Amanda Hensley (Powell, TN), red-shirt Natalie Medders (Hudson, FL), Kelsey Wood (Versailles, KY), Jessica Gunn (Owensboro, KY), and Jenna Suttles (Cincinnati, OH).

Looking to step in and help the Patriots excel will be four new signees. Those signees include Kathleen Betourne (Clearwater, FL), Courtney Fout (Miamisburg, OH), Michelle Papas (Crestview Hills, KY), and Brittany Weinheimer (Liberty Township, OH). Those new faces will need to gel with the key returnees for the 08-09 season if the Patriots are to be successful in 08. Coach Clemenz feels they have the talent to do so. “Katie has perfect passing form and reads the ball very well,” said Clemenz. “Courtney is a very well-rounded and talented athlete who I expect to excel when she begins to focus on one sport. Michelle is a powerful left handed right sided hitter who has nice hands and a big block while Brittney has beautiful hands as well and her quickness will help in running our offense.”

Hard work and dedication during the off season will hopefully pay off for the Patriot Volleyball team. Coach Clemenz comments, "Georgetown, Lindsey Wilson College, and Campbellsville are top teams in the Mid-South Conference, and will continue to be tough. We dropped in our final MSC ranking last season but you can expect to see us work our way back up this season. A small team along with some unusual illnesses took a toll on our ability to establish consistency. But with a larger squad, we aim to compete more for starting positions and really focus on aggressive play and serves.”

With these accomplishments going into the 2008-2009 season, expect the Volleyball team to come out playing tough and looking to move their name back up the polls in 08. Coach Clemenz, Assistant Coach Bruna Langner, a Four Time NAIA National Volleyball Participant, and the Patriot Volleyball team will open their season on September 2, 2008 at Union College with a junior varsity game kicking off the night at 5:00 PM.

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