The Limestone College volleyball team is looking forward to a great
year after one of the best seasons in school history in 2006. The Lady
Saints return 11 players from their 2006 roster and are eager to make
a run at the Carolinas Conference tournament and regular season titles.
The team will face one of its toughest schedules to date in 2007. “We
have upgraded the schedule to include stronger opponents,” pointed
out Limestone Head Coach Tim Loesch. “We have five matches against
teams that competed in the NCAA tournament last year: Kutztown, Clarion,
Wingate and Lees-McRae twice.”
While the Lady Saints lose three talented players in All-Conference
honorees Alison Hamilton, Julie Oleson, and Amber Wise, Limestone returns
several strong players and adds three talented recruits to this year’s
lineup.
Middle/Outside Hitters
Several Lady Saints will see playing time at the middle and outside
hitter positions. Sophomore Melissa Thomas (119 games played/464 kills/83
blocks), a 2006 All-Conference honoree, had a great freshman campaign
and should play an even bigger role as she looks to dominate in the
Conference Carolinas. Senior Michele Cash (95 games played/98 kills)
is very athletic and will provide leadership for the squad. Junior Candace
Robertson refined her blocking, hitting and setting skills as she sat
out last season as a redshirt. Roberston is expected to make big contributions
this fall. Jennifer O’Keefe will look for playing time as a freshman
following a standout career at Woodstock High School in Canton, Ga.,
where she led her team to a 26-5 record.
All of the Lady Saints’ outside hitters have worked hard in the
off-season. Senior Ashley Blackwelder (52 games played) has been working
hard to recover from an injury and has been playing better than ever.
She will compete for a starting spot this fall. Junior Lynn Milam (127
games played/141 kills/64 blocks) has played in every game since arriving
at Limestone, and has continued to improve her footwork, athleticism,
blocking, and hitting technique. Sophomore Chelsea Anthony (131 games/432
digs) looks to pick up where she left off in 2006 with her sound passing,
serving, and defense. She should take on an even bigger role as a sophomore.
Sophomore Mallorie Ward (9 games played) saw limited action as a freshman,
but really worked to improve during the spring. She is expected to see
more playing time in 2007 as an outside hitter.
Senior Ashley Hubbard and junior Sam Flannery will both vie for starting
positions as middle hitters. Hubbard (121 games played/236 kills/130
blocks) is strong on the attack and defense. Flannery (100 games played/113
kills/76 blocks) had a solid 2006 season and continued to improve during
the spring. She will be a major force for the Lady Saints offense again
this year.
Defensive Specialists
Sophomore Courtney Taotaoi (126 games/392 digs/94 assists) had a solid
freshman campaign and is expected to compete for time at the libero
and defensive specialist positions this year. Sophomore Jamie Bolley
(65 games played/141 digs) improved during her freshman year and should
earn a spot in Limestone’s starting rotation. Freshman Randi Hunton
will also compete for the position. In addition to playing at outside
hitter, Anthony may also see time as the team’s defensive specialist.
Setters
Limestone will look to several players to set up the offense. Freshman
Laura Kerrison is a natural leader who guided her Bishop England High
School team to three consecutive South Carolina state titles and helped
her club team qualify for four national championships. Hunton and Milam
will also be key players in setting up the Lady Saints’ attack
this season.
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