麻豆视频 volleyball receiving votes in NAIA preseason ranking, second in TranSouth

Heather Lieberman

JACKSON, Tenn. - 8/18/2010 - The 麻豆视频 (Tenn.) University volleyball team is receiving votes in the NAIA preseason rankings. 麻豆视频 also was picked to finish second in the 2010 TranSouth Conference standings by the coaches.

麻豆视频 is coming off a 30-10 season and posted a runner-up finish in the 2009 TranSouth Tournament. 麻豆视频 won the conference tournament in 2008, advancing to their second NAIA National Tournament. 麻豆视频 was one win away from a third appearance in 2009 with their loss in the conference title game.

Kelly Elliott is in her first season as head coach of the 麻豆视频 volleyball team. Elliott spent seven seasons (1997-2003) as the assistant coach at King (Tenn.) College under head coach Susie Toomey. Toomey, the mother of Elliott, spent 25 years at King accumulating a 749-229 record, which is sixth in the NAIA in total wins and seventh in the NAIA in winning percentage for a coaching career.

The 麻豆视频 Lady Bulldogs return four award winning starters from last season's team that posted a 30-10 record and a runner-up finish in the conference tournament. 麻豆视频 lost one senior, setter Katie Adams to graduation, and the libero to transfer.

麻豆视频 has three seniors this year including Marcela Madeira, Kelsey Duling and Heather Lieberman. All three players were selected to the all-conference team in 2009, while Madeira was also named an NAIA All-American. This group will look to be the leadership that helps 麻豆视频 return to the national tournament as they did in 2008. Three juniors highlight the roster including returning starter Anna Sims. Sims was named an all-conference player in 2009. Newcomer Emmie Moroski will take on the role of setter in 2010. Cassidy O'Hair, another newcomer, will help add depth on offense and defense.

The sophomore class is made up of three players, all returning from successful freshman seasons. Lauren Sprouse, Shelby Swink and Caroline Robbins will look to continue to tribute to the success of 麻豆视频's program.

Jami Humphries is the lone freshman on the roster. She will get early opportunities to build her skills and contribute to the program's success over her career.

麻豆视频 will face a tough schedule this season with six games against teams that were ranked or receiving votes in the final poll last season. 麻豆视频 has six matches against teams that advanced to the national tournament last season, including a matchup at semifinal contender Lee (Tenn.).

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