Aug. 17, 2005
Aug. 17, 2005 - In the first of a three part series, smumustangs.com begins this year's Fall Preview. Over the next three days, smumustangs.com will give you, the fan, an in-depth look at three of the Mustangs' fall sports - volleyball, men's soccer, and women's soccer.
Wednesday's preview stops off in Moody Coliseum as volleyball head coach Lisa Seifert prepares her squad for its tenth year on the Hilltop.
The 2005 season could look like a rebuilding year on paper. The Mustangs lost a strong senior class that included All-Conference outside hitters Beth Karasek and Jacky Niederstadt along with setter Jackie Erazmus.
Head Coach Lisa Seifert doesn't see her 10th season on the Hilltop that way. "We will be competitive because that is the nature of our program," states Seifert. "It will be an exciting year. We are entering a new league and we will be young in key positions."
This is the Mustangs first season in Conference USA. There are three familiar foes in the western division as Rice, Tulsa, and UTEP also join the league. Houston and Tulane also become divisional rivals. The eastern division is filled with new opponents Alabama-Birmingham (UAB), Central Florida (UCF), East Carolina, Marshall, Memphis, and Southern Miss.
The non-conference schedule includes tournaments at Cal-State Fullerton, Duke, and Ball State as well as the SMU Invitational featuring Texas Tech, Stony Brook, and Oral Roberts. The Mustangs also face traditional rival North Texas at Moody Coliseum on Aug. 31.
"Going into Conference USA brings a lot of unknowns," says Seifert. "We pretty much know our division from facing Rice, Tulsa, and UTEP in league play and seeing Tulane and Houston in tournaments, but we will have to learn about the eastern division."
Seifert is excited about the teamwork she watched develop during the spring season.
"The team chemistry during the spring was as good as it has been in a few seasons," said Seifert. "I am very excited to see how this season unfolds and how this team develops."
The Mustangs do return four experienced players to lead the way: seniors Kelly Larkan, Stephanie Bennett, and Ashley Zener along with junior Jennette Evanco. Larkan hit .278 last season and averaged almost 2.5 kills, 2.5 digs, and 0.5 blocks per game before a mid-season shoulder injury. Zener hit .248 and averaged nearly 1.0 block and 2.4 kills per game. Bennett finished up the year averaging 2.0 kills per game and 0.6 blocks per frame.
"We are very mature in the middle," says Seifert. "Kelly brings a wealth of experience and stability in her fifth season. Ashley continues to get better and has been on the court since the beginning of her career.
Stephanie is also expected to produce even more this season." Evanco will also help with experience as a defensive specialist. She averaged more than 3.2 digs per game last season before breaking her foot in early October. That figure was up from 2.3 digs per game her freshman season.
"Jennette brings leadership to the defense," Seifert states. "Her experience will be invaluable for this young team."
Sophomore Kara Cornelius will also play a key role in the middle. She averaged 1.04 blocks per game while playing in every match during October and November. Cornelius recorded eight blocks at North Texas, which was the third-best in a three-game match in program history. She followed that with nine blocks at UTEP in the next match, a five-game win.
"Kara is our most-improved player over the last year and a half," states Seifert. "Even though she had little volleyball experience, we recruited her because she is very athletic. Kara also worked throughout the spring to become an offensive threat, so her game will continue to improve."
Whitney Salcer should continue to develop her role as a defensive specialist. She finished last season strong, recording an ace in each of the final four matches.
"Whitney will help in certain situations on defense, but her best asset is her ability to serve for points," says Seifert.
The youth is highlighted by sophomore outside hitters Rachel Giubilato and Caitlin Rainbird. Both saw significant time during the second half of their freshman season. Rainbird averaged 3.04 kills per game over the final nine matches of the season. Giubilato paced at 2.54 kills and 3.05 digs per frame over the final 12 matches.
"Rachel and Caitlin really played well during the spring season," says Seifert. "They hit nearly .400 combined against a good level of competition. They will be an important part of our offense this season." The setter position will be young as well. Sophomore Madison Hill and freshman Stefanie Kons will compete for time.
"Madison is a game-player," Seifert says. "She does whatever it takes to win. Stefanie is a very good athlete. She has good size, good foot speed, and very good hands."
The Mustangs' roster will include three talented freshmen; Kons, outside hitter Lauren Dove and middle blocker Natalie Peters.
"We went after the most athletic players possible," Seifert states. "This is a very talented and athletic group. We will work with them to continue to develop their skills and maximize their potential. They will contribute this season.
"Lauren is physically developed with quick feet and solid leaping ability. Her potential is limitless as her skills continue to get more refined. Natalie should see court time this season as she develops and transitions to the collegiate game."
