University of the Cumberlands Volleyball 09-10 Preview

Ending the 2008 season accomplishing their goal of going .500, the Patriots volleyball team achieved a lot as they took on nationally ranked teams and as individuals broke records and set new milestones. With last season ending on a good note, second year head coach Kara Clemenz believes that there will be more goals reached as a team; these goals include moving up in Mid-South Conference rankings, raising their hitting percentage, and improving on their season record.

Coach Clemenz looks forward to the 2009 season. “We had a very productive off season and it showed in our spring scrimmages,” said Clemenz. “I am expecting to pick up where we left off. The team has a strong desire to reach new heights in 2009 and I am looking forward to leading them to reach those goals. We have a great recruiting class coming in and a more experienced returning team.” However, there are some drawbacks the Patriots might face this upcoming season. They lost two of their tallest players and there isn’t as much height in the upcoming freshman class.

The Patriots lost Taran Johnson, whose records upcoming players will strive to beat and Lauren Taylor, who excelled at putting her team first and set records herself. These girls will be hard to replace but there is a lot of speed on the team which will assist the girls with a quick offense.

Returners who will have a lot of influence on the team include junior Erika Barnes (Fairfield, OH) whose stats in ’08 included 49 Serving Aces, .46 Serving Aces per Game, 23 Solo Blocks, and 34 Assisted Blocks. Junior Amanda Hensley (Powell, TN) was named to the MSC All-Academic team as well as the MSC Champions of Character while sophomore Brittany Weinheimer (Liberty Township, OH) tallied 751 Assists and averaged 5.65 Assists per Game. Senior Kaylyn Suttles (Cincinnati, OH) had outstanding numbers in ’08 as well with 603 Digs, 4.53 Digs per Game, 42 Serving Aces, and .32 Serving Aces per Game. These girls received conference awards in ’08 and will serve to be leaders to aid in the success of the ’09 season.

The Patriots have added some players to the team that should help out immediately. These include Alana Abbot (Lebanon, OH), who is a strong outside hitter and will add depth to the offense. Kelsey Dew (Clinton, TN) is a defensive specialist who can also hit if needed. Mariah Gray (Goshen, OH) is expected to come in as a freshman and take the role of middle hitter. “She has a powerful approach and is very quick at the net,” said Coach Clemenz. Chelsea Hendrix (Seymour, IN) is a defensive specialist and Victoria Verville (Edgewood, KY) will assist Weinheimer to run the offense as a setter.

With the desire to win and dedication to doing so, the Patriots volleyball team looks forward to a great season. Competing in the NAIA, in which two teams are nationally ranked, the competition is very hard. Coach Clemenz says “Georgetown has traditionally had a very strong program and Campbellsville and Lindsey Wilson are right up there with them. We have been knocking at their door for a while now and will continue to climb our way to the top.”

As the Patriots look forward to the 2009 season, their first game is just around the corner. Their season will begin as they compete in the Milligan Tournament on August 28, their first opponent – Shorter College at 3:00 p.m.

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