Belton, TX – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor volleyball team will open the
Rob Frost era as the Cru serves up the 2011 season opener this afternoon in Seguin. UMHB will play its first games under first-year head coach Frost during a tri-match hosted by Texas Lutheran University today. The Cru will open against TLU at 2:00 PM before facing Texas Wesleyan University at 4:00 PM.
The Cru will build around a group of 11 returners, including four starters from a year ago. Junior middle hitter
Tina Miller was an American Southwest Conference All-East Division selection last year after averaging 3.57 kills per game. She missed the final match with an injury and should be healthy again this season. Senior
Sara Hayward, junior
Kaydie Cochran and sophomore
Kimberly Smidovec also return on the front line. Hayward had 95 kills and 62 total blocks despite struggling with injuries, Cochran posted 237 kills and 320 digs and is a solid all-around player. Smidovec also reached 200 kills and added 148 digs.
Morgan Baker,
Heather Harbaugh and
Nicolette Wiesman will also see time as hitters for the Cru. Baker had a great fall after putting down 140 kills as a freshman. Harbaugh and Wiesman will look for larger roles after providing depth off the bench last year.
Sophia Alexiou is the lone newcomer on the roster and she will also be in the mix for playing time as an outside hitter for the Cru.
Seniors
Anissa Garcia and
Alexis Tharp will share the setter's job. Garcia had 575 assists last year and Tharp chipped in with 373. Garcia's athleticism could also earn her time at the net.
Seniors
Elise Butler and
Jasmine Austin are battling it out for the libero spot left open by the graduation of four-year starter
Erin Maenius. Both players were over 100 digs in reserve roles last year.
“I like the level we are playing at through our early practices,” Cru head coach
Rob Frost said. “I love the girls on the team; they are doing a great job. They take care of each other and watch out for each other. They are in good shape and ready to play.”
The Cru will return home following Friday's tri-match to prepare for the home and American Southwest Conference West Division opener. UMHB will play host to the University of Texas at Tyler next Tuesday at 7:00 PM at the Mayborn Campus Center in the ASC opener for both teams.
