Carson-Newman Back on the Courts Today
Aug. 11, 2008
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - The Carson-Newman volleyball squad is back on the court today to begin preseason preparations.
"The team is energized for the upcoming year coming off of a great spring season," stated Head Coach Shannon Mincey, who is entering her 5th season at Carson-Newman.
In 2007, the Lady Eagles finished with a 23-11 record, going 4-10 in South Atlantic Conference play. The C-N squad had a runner-up finish in the conference tournament and a sixth place finish in the conference.
"Our 2007 season seemed to be a roller coaster of emotion playing non-conference versus conference opponents. We finally peaked the last weekend of the season which propelled us into the tournament; however, the teams in our conference are very strong and we cannot wait until the end of the season to play up to our potential."
Though the Lady Eagles lost standout outside hitter Kelli Sorensen, a two-time All-Conference selection prior to completing her eligibility, the team returns a full squad of starters.
Four seniors make up the promising 2008 squad. Setter Allyson Corhn will assist in running the Eagle offense. The Lady Eagles will also look toward Kelsey Fleck to gain points for the Eagles, while Haley Bush and Salem Stepp will be defending the back row.
"This is a special class for me as this is my first true recruiting class," stated Mincey concerning her squad's seniors. "I can let this group lead their teammates to the finish line."
The Eagles also return junior middle hitter Katie Troyer, setter Stephanie Cutter and outside hitter Caitlin Schelgel, and sophomores Carly Mozgai and Lara McDonald, who will all play vital roles for the squad.
Carson-Newman will only have two new faces this year, but both will be depended upon to help them attain their goals. Transfer Jessica Schachleiter and freshman Mary Kate Work will be asked to jump right in during this short preseason.
"Preseason seems so short in an attempt to get all the individuals to work as one unit," Mincey continues. In just two weeks, Carson-Newman will play nationally ranked Lee University in an exhibition match on August 26 at 6:30 p.m.
The Lady Eagles begin their season August 29th at 12:00 p.m. against Augusta State. The match will be a part of the Carson-Newman hosted Labor Day weekend tournament. The squad will also play in four other non-conference tournaments in order to prepare for conference play, including a second Carson-Newman sponsored tournament as well as traveling to Francis Marion, Limestone and Armstrong Atlantic.
