Lady Eagles Begin Preparations for 2009 Season

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. -- The Carson-Newman volleyball team returned to campus on Friday for the start of preseason practice.

Lady Eagle coach Shannon Mincey, who enters her sixth season at the helm of the program, is looking forward to getting the 2009 campaign underway.

"We have a strong group of young players coming in," Mincey said. "The freshman class is going to be a key to our success, and we have a solid leadership group in our seniors. I think those two sandwiched together will provide for a successful season. We are trying to focus on being tough this season and holding each other accountable."

C-N, which went 24-15 in 2008 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament, had 13 players report to camp, including three preseason all-conference selections. Junior outside hitter Carly Mozgai (Greensboro, N.C.) and senior middle hitter Katie Troyer (Plain City, Ohio) garnered preseason first team All-SAC honors, while senior setter Stephanie Cutter (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) was a second team selection.

The Lady Eagles will begin preseason practice on Aug. 11 and will hold their first intrasquad scrimmage on Sunday Aug. 16. C-N opens the season with a pair of matches at home on Aug. 28 against Glenville State at 1 p.m. and Francis Marion at 7 p.m.