Season Preview: Outside Hitters
8/13/2010 5:06:16 PM | Volleyball
The volleyball position previews begins with the deepest and most experienced group, the outside hitters. The Orange lists five student-athletes at outside hitter – two seniors, two juniors and a freshman – heading into the 2010 season.
"We have four girls fighting for two starting outside hitter positions,” assistant coach Carol LaMarche said. “It is not clear yet who will get those two spots. This preseason we are evaluating each of them at every practice to see who can consistently perform at a high level."
With the graduation of leading offensive threat Sarah Morton, the Orange expects to employ a more balanced offense, with kill production distributed throughout the front row positions. With four upperclassmen in the rotation, the outside hitters are poised to take on the work load.
The versatile Hayley Todd is the leading returner on the outside, ranking second on the team in kills (247) and blocks (97) last season. Playing primarily middle blocker in her first two collegiate seasons, head coach Jing Pu moved Todd to the outside at the Oct. 16 match against South Florida. The move was immediately beneficial as Todd set a career-high with 21 kills to lead the Orange offensively in the four-set victory.
"Hayley lists as a middle but she had some very impressive performances at left front last year,” head coach Jing Pu said. “This year I plan on moving her to the left front in order to utilize her height and technical stability. She has improved hitting power which will allow her to be a major point scorer for us.”
Fellow senior Mindy Stanislovaitis brings similar veteran leadership to the outside hitter group. As the only student-athlete listing at right side hitter, Pu expects Stanislovaitis to step into a starting role as the opposite hitter. Stanislovaitis posted a 1.19 kills per set average in limited action last season.
"It is clear that Mindy will play the right side,” Pu said. “She has tremendous hitting power and physical height on the net. I'm looking forward to seeing her have a strong showing on the right side this year.”
Junior Erin Little's skill set allows her to play across the front row – though she is expected to split time primarily between the opposite and outside hitter. Little is third among the returners, notching 114 kills and 38 blocks through 65 sets last season.
"Erin Little is a strong front row player with a solid technical base in back row play,” Pu said. “As she continues to build up her game experience I look forward to seeing her have a much more productive season in 2010.”
One of two current student-athletes to start every match of her collegiate career to date, junior Noemie Lefebvre will extend that streak in 2010. A true all-around contributor, Lefebvre split time between outside hitter and libero last season, leading the returners with 330 digs and ranking second with 161 kills. Entering her third season with the Orange, Lefebvre already ranks fifth on the SU career charts with a 2.83 digs per set average.
"Noemie is a very talented all around player, contributing in the front and in passing defense,” Pu said. “Her ability to lead is growing and she will continue to have a significant role for this team both in offense and defense.”
Rounding out the group is 6'1” freshman Samantha Clarey from Baltimore, Ontario, Canada. Clarey played middle blocker for St. Mary's High School, but has begun to transition to outside hitter during preseason camp.
"As a freshman, Samantha will be seeing playing time at either left front or right front,” Pu said. “She has some unique physical talents in terms of her explosiveness and hitting power. I'm hoping she will adapt to the college game quickly and make meaningful contributions in 2010."
Check back to SUAthletics.com for position previews on the middle blockers, setters and defensive specialists.
