2010 Volleyball Season Preview

To preview the upcoming 2010 season, we tossed a few questions out to Lubbock Christian University volleyball head coach Jennifer Lawrence.  The Lady Chaps open their season Friday at the Coca Cola Classic in Plainview.

Q: What stands out about this year's squad?

A: This year’s team will be quick and maybe taller than past year's teams. If we can improve our ball control within the next couple of weeks we should be solid offensively. In the time we have already spent together they seem to play well together and get along well.

Q:  Two consecutive appearances to the NAIA National Championships over the past two seasons... how important is that?

A: I think it is a testament to the past teams' hard work and dedication. It is also important to the program and we are proud of these accomplishments. However, we know we have to start all over and work even harder to have the chance to get back.

Q: What are your team goals for this season?

A: The teams' goals include putting the team before self, taking one game at a time and approaching each practice and match with intensity and focus.

Q: Describe your team’s setters?

A:  Jordan Goings is an exceptional setter who has the ability to run a quick offense and makes good decisions as to where to distribute the ball. She is smart and an outstanding athlete.

Q: And sum up your Outside Hitters?

A: Bailey Jones is a sophomore that saw a slew of playing time as a freshman, and she continues to get stronger. She has made huge strides in improving the mechanics of her arm swing and effectiveness of her approach. She has developed a larger range of shots and we will look to her to be a strong force offensively.

April Severyn is a solid player able to keep the ball in play and use a variety of shots. She brings energy and enthusiasm to the court.

Chelsea Lyons comes to the program from Tyler Junior College and has experience at both outside and defensive specialist. She will help us with ball control.

Andi Rose has worked hard this summer to come to open gyms and get her hand on the ball as much as possible. She is a freshman from Canyon that has the ability to be a power hitter if she can make some improvements early. 

Q: Lets now move your thoughts onto the Right Side…

A: Senior Melissa Green is a solid power hitter. She is able to hit some tough line shots and has improved her angle shot. She will need to be a steady blocking presence at the net.

Caitlin Kender is quick to the ball and has the ability to play a variety of positions. She is a great blocker and strong slide hitter.

Q: Describe the strengths of your Middle Blockers?

A: Elissa Loynes is one of our quickest players and she is a returning NAIA All-American.. She has a quick arm, is quick laterally and able to change up her shots. Teams will key in on her but she is able to handle the pressure. Her work ethic and determination make her a leader on and off the court.

Brittany Johnson has continued to improve. She is able to put up a big block and continues to get better offensively.

Melia Wood is also quick to the ball and able to hit a variety of shots. She plays smart and reads hitters well.  Wood attended Creekview High School in the Dallas area before joining LCU.

Q: Describe the strengths of your defensive specialists?

A: Nikki Ralston is expected to take over the libero position. She is able to pick up a lot of balls because of her quickness and drive. She has worked hard at improving her technique and it has made a huge difference in how she plays. She is one of the best encouragers on the team and helps the people around her play better.

Tori Velasquez is both an excellent defensive player and setter. She is strong on serve receive and able to step in to set when needed.

Q: Overall as a team, mixing all the elements together, what kind of identity do you see your team having?

A: Though we are fairly quick, we will need to focus on ball control and being aggressive defensively.

There are one or two spots which are still wide open. Our success may depend on whether or not we have players who are able to step up to the challenge and be strong in those positions.