Syracuse volleyball alums get first look at the 2007 Orange.
Past Forward: Volleyball Holds Annual Alumni Match
8/18/2007 5:27:34 PM | Volleyball
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse stars of the past and present were on-hand Saturday afternoon in Manley Field House for the annual alumni volleyball match. The 2007 Orange welcomed several former players back to “The Hill” in preparation for the season-opener Friday, August 24 against Gardner-Webb (6:00 p.m. EST).
Beginning his 13th season with Syracuse, head coach Jing Pu sees a two-fold significance to the alumni match. Not only does the annual event give former players the opportunity to return to Syracuse and recall their days with the Orange, but also current players learn first-hand of the program’s tradition and what it will mean to them down the road.
“It’s such a positive experience for our team that after playing for Syracuse, living the college life and building so many friendships, this still remains a part of their life,” added Pu.
Second-year assistant coach Carol (Munger) LaMarche concluded her playing days with the Orange in 2001 after totaling 741 kills and a 3.49 kills per game career mark, ranked third all-time. However today, LaMarche found herself in a unique situation trying balance her coaching tendencies and competitive drive.
“Jing [Pu] took care of the pregame warm-ups, which is something that I usually do. So, I stayed with the alums, warmed up with the alums and got pumped up with the alums,” LaMarche said. “When I first got out there, I was really excited to be playing, but then I started critiquing and making mental notes for practice.”
Senior captain Joscie Kaup enters the 2007 campaign ranked second all-time with 1,656 career digs. As one of the team’s two seniors (Cheryl Cobbina), Kaup looks forward to one day competing against some of her former teammates.
“It’s fun to see the older players come back. I hope it’s something that we can keep going for years,” asserted Kaup. “It’s important for us to see these players come back, want to come back and to play for a team where the passion never dies. You always want to represent Syracuse.”
The alumni team was represented by graduate assistant coach Mary Ochmanek, Heather (Zillman) Harris ’89, Julie Nicholson ’01, Noreen (Carroll) Veeser ’02, Morgan (Jones) Rose ’05 and LaMarche ’02. The 2007 Orange won the match, 3-1.
Following Friday’s match versus Gardner-Webb, one of three during the University of Wisconsin Tournament, the Orange return to Manley Field House for the 2007 home-opener against in-state rival Buffalo on Tuesday, August 28 at 6:00 p.m.
Stanchion to Stanchion | Laila Phelia
Wednesday, March 04
Naithan George postgame at Louisville
Wednesday, March 04
Adrian Autry postgame at Louisville
Wednesday, March 04
Highlights | Syracuse vs. Louisville
Wednesday, March 04
