Young Bearkats look to make noise in 2007 SLC volleyball race
7/27/2007 1:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
With a solid group of returning players plus several
talented newcomers, the Sam Houston State volleyball team is ready to
make a run in the 2007 Southland Conference race.
Four starters return from last year including the only senior on the
squad, outside hitter Cynthia Yarotsky. Appearing in every match the
Bearkats have played the past three years, Yarotsky has totaled 764
career kills. She has scored in double digits 56 times for SHSU.
“Cynthia
is our only senior and the team will look to her for leadership this
year," Sam Houston head volleyball coach Brenda Gray said. "A
competitor with a will to win that is contagious, she has a great
passion for the game. She is an all-around player who will be solid for
us on the left side.”
Three returning
juniors also will add leadership for the team. Middle blocker Anna
Ferguson ranked second on the squad in blocks (78) last year and was
third in kills (245). Setter Megan McNamara has totaled 1,773 assists
in 58 matches the past two years. Outside hitter Brittney Humbach
played in 16 contests last season after transferring from the Air Force
Academy.
“Anna
is an explosive player who continues to amaze me with her power on
offense," Gray said. "She had a great spring and again will be a
starter in the middle. Megan had a great spring and we look for her to
run the floor for us this fall. She is a terrific athlete who loves the
game. Brittney broke her leg last winter but has been working hard with
her rehabilitation during the spring to come back from the injury. She
possesses good court sense and a keen knowledge of the game..”
Sophomore middle blocker Katie Phillips started all 26 matches as a
freshman in 2006, leading the team in blocks (87) and ranked fifth on
the team in kills (159).
"Katie is one of our best blockers and helps us defensively in the middle," Gray said." She is a placement shot player who continues to get stronger. Mobile on her feet, her versatility gives us options to run a lot of plays.”
Megan Kuehler will step in as the Bearkats' libero this season. Outside hitters Latiffia Randle and Shamira Washington bring extra power to the Sam Houston front line.
“As our
libero this fall, Megan could be a key to our success," Gray said. "A
regular fireball on the floor, she has excellent ball control and does
a good job digging and passing to the setter. Latiffia is a tall,
athletic player with amazing power and reach. She bloomed in the
spring, really coming on strong and getting better each time she
stepped on the floor. Shamira possesses a great vertical leap that
gives her an edge in this game. She is deceivingly quick footed.”
Five new recruits brighten the picture for the Bearkats. Outside hitter
Brittanie Wallace was an All-State performer for Round Rock, leading
Vista Ridge High School to the Texas Class 4A state finals. Middle
blocker Sarah Hazlewood of Huntsville, setter Kym Loving of Cypress
Springs, and outside hitters Launa McClung of Nederland and Lizzy
Stuller of Lake Highlands all earned mulitiple All-District honors.
“Brittanie brings a long list of accollades to our program and we're excited to have her here," Gray said. "She will be a force on the outside. She possesses all the tools to be an impact player. Sarah is our first Huntsville product. She brings power to our front line. Kym has great court presence and a terrific attitude to the game. She will fight for a starting spot as a freshman. Launa has an opportunity to see action as a freshman. She is a rangy player. Lizzy brings good ball control and passing skills to the team. She can help us on the back line and on the outside as well.”
