Aug. 23, 2007

Romeoville, Ill. - With Lewis University as the preseason pick to win the East Division of the Great Lakes Valley Conference, women's volleyball head coach Lorelee Smith realizes expectations are high for the Flyers, and believes energy and competitiveness will be vital to the team's success.

"It does put a target on our back," the first-year Lewis University coach said. "I told our players to expect our opponents to play their hardest against us. It's natural for everyone to want to take down the number-one team. The key is to keep our energy and enthusiasm high no matter the competition."

Ten members of the 2007 squad return from last year's team that won the program's first GLVC Championship in 14 years and qualified for the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2002. The roster includes six freshmen, six sophomores, two juniors and three seniors.

THE SENIORS

All-Region and All-GLVC first-team setter Andrea Morrone is sure to provide leadership to the team. "She really is everything a coach would want in a setter," Smith said. "Andrea is consistent, plays great defense and always thinks of the team first."

Morrone led the Flyers in assists (1,355) in 2006. In GLVC matches she ranked first in the conference in assists (725) and assists per game (13.18). Additionally, she recorded at least 40 assists in 23 matches and had a career best 67 assists against conference rival Rockhurst.

Although Morrone has racked up the numbers, Smith said her importance to the team goes beyond the court.

"I've been 100 percent impressed with Andrea since day one," Smith said. "She possesses all the characteristics you want in a leader and really is the quarterback of the team."

Smith anticipates the 6-foot middle hitter Sylvia Ciezak to have an impact year.

"Sylvia really has stepped up into her senior role," Smith said. "She fits very well in our offense, and I'm very excited about her this season."

The final senior is Jackie Eichorst, who was a new addition to the team last season.

"Jackie is a leader and very versatile, bringing solid ball control to the backcourt," Smith said.

THE JUNIORS

Smith's praise continued with libero Lauren Hatter. Smith expects Hatter to bring backcourt leadership and intensity.

In 2006, Hatter set a Flyers' single-season record with 550 digs, earning her All-GLVC honorable mention. She recorded double-digit digs in 27-of-31 matches and had a span of seven straight matches with 20 or more digs.

Hatter was at her best in the GLVC championship game, recording 27 digs in Lewis' victory over Southern Illinois Edwardsville.

"Lauren is one of the top liberos in the conference," Smith said. "She has great ball control, quick feet and a high level of post-season experience."

Meanwhile, Justina Begemann, a transfer student from Missouri State West Plaines joins the Lewis squad. Begemann helped lead the junior college to its eighth straight Region 16 Championship and a third-place finish in the NJCAA National Tournament.

"Justina is recovering from a torn ACL she suffered at the NJCAA National Tournament," Smith states. "If her rehab and work ethic continues to progress, she will be a great offensive complement to (sophomore Stephanie) Sagat. Justina swings a very heavy ball and has a tremendous competitive drive."

THE SOPHOMORES

Last year's freshmen gained valuable experience by being part of the GLVC Championship team. They all contributed to the team's success at some point during the season.

Stephanie Sagat, Great Lakes Region and GLVC Freshman of the Year, immediately made her mark on the team. The outside hitter from Darien, Ill., led the team in kills per game (3.26) and ranked third in total kills (349). In GLVC matches, she ranked first among freshmen in kills per game (3.77) and points per game (4.34).

"Stephanie has a large variety of shots and can terminate with a heavy swing," Smith said. "She will be the hitter opponents attempt to stop. All I can say is good luck to the competition."

Returning sophomore middles are Sara deBuhr and Kim Richards. deBuhr started 23 matches last season and Richards saw action in 18.

"Sara runs a strong middle offense and is a big blocking presence. Physically she has the ability to take over a match," Smith said. "Off the court, a coach couldn't ask for a more responsible role model."

"Kim is a very fast and mobile middle. She has improved in every aspect since the spring and has really shined during preseason. I can see her posting big numbers and frustrating other teams."

Rounding out the sophomore class are three pin hitters, Jaqi Kenney, Christina Avilina and Jessica Guest.

"All three of these student athletes will provide the team with depth and an invaluable presence during practice and games," Smith said. "They each are very versatile and can play more than one position."

"Kenney ended up redshirting last year so this could be a breakout season for her. I am excited about watching and coaching her for four more seasons. She is an all-around player with great athleticism."

"Like Jaqi, Christina has trained with one of the area's strongest club programs. She is naturally talented and approaches the game with intelligence," Smith continued. "Jessica is a lefty that has as smooth arm swing and can move the ball around well. She also brings a positive spirit to the team at every practice."

THE FRESHMEN

Smith recruited six freshmen full of potential, which should be no surprise considering Smith's desire for a competitive environment during practice and games and the loss of four impact seniors.

"I believe competition fosters a hard-working, team-building atmosphere that forces each individual to improve," Smith said. "All of the freshmen have a chance to push for playing time this season."

The group - outside hitters Kelly McConkey and Lauren Seliga, middle hitter Danielle Mount, setter Rachel Ruedi and defensive specialists Ashlee Lindish and Staci Paul - come from well-trained backgrounds.

For example, Mount was coached by Lewis alumnae Rory Harrison and Theresa Nugent in club volleyball last spring, while Lindish played for the always dominating Mother McAuley High School program.

"Seliga is a very versatile, highly intelligent player who has a great feel for the game. She will surprise and impress," Smith said. "Ashlee came to the program this past spring and quickly proved herself as a vital person to have on the court. Her strong serve and quick first step are huge assets to have in a back row player."

Meanwhile Ruedi will likely be groomed as a potential replacement for Morrone at setter.

"She has the ability to offer the same attributes on and off the court that Andrea has," Smith said.

Lockport native, Danielle Mount, is a strong 6-2 middle hitter with great potential.

"She has size and power and has demonstrated an extremely fast learning curve," Smith said.

Finally Paul, a graduate of Smith's high school alma matter, has natural defensive strength.

"Staci has an uncanny ability to read and react on defense that most players her age lack," Smith said.

Smith's freshmen class will be her first lasting mark on the Lewis volleyball program. She comes to the school from the University of Central Missouri, where she served as assistant women's volleyball coach for five seasons. There, she worked under head coach Peggy Martin, the winningest active NCAA Division II head coach. The team finished in the top 10 nationally and had nine All-America selections during Smith's time as an assistant.

A 2007 GLVC Championship would be a memorable second mark. "Considering we graduated four and brought in a large class of six freshmen, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw we were picked as preseason favorites. It might mean nobody else wanted to be number one," Smith joked. "Or the league was impressed with the talent we have returning and coming in. I'm guessing it is the latter."