Troy University Athletics
Trojans Set to Begin 2007 Season
8/24/2007 5:00:00 AM | Volleyball
TROY, Ala. - The 2007 Trojans are looking forward to the season with 11 players returning from the 2006 season and the addition of five newcomers.
“I think there are stages in the development of a team. First there is the building process, where you try to be competitive night in and night out. I think that's where we were last season, even though we were not very consistent,” head coach Sonny Kirkpatrick said. “Next is the surprise stage, where you win the matches you should win, and win a few you aren't supposed to. I'm hoping we've started moving into this stage.”
“Lastly, there's the championship stage. This is where we want to be and are committed to getting there, as a coaching staff and team.”
Senior Carla Rasuck will return as the veteran defensive specialist. Rasuck led the team in digs during the 2006 season, averaging 3.26 per game. She had a total of 88 digs for the season, with a game high of 22 against
Rasuck will be joined by sophomore Hannah Dykes and freshmen Emily Strader and Loni Beth Jones, who are both defensive specialists and will add assistance throughout the season.
“I think that our defense has been upgraded over last year. With Carla as our only senior, we're still a little inexperienced, but I think we're much better than a year ago,” Kirkpatrick said.
Junior Meghan Washlow returns as the
Washlow will get assistance at the setter position this year from freshman Megan Henderson.
“Setting might be our strongest position this year. Washlow has had the chance to work with Jenny (Michael) for two years, and we think
Juniors Jean McCarthy and Jennifer White are both outside hitters who will add depth to the Trojan offense. Sophomores Liz Leeds and Kerry Heinz saw a lot of playing time in 2006 and will use that experience to their advantage during the 2007 season. Those four will be joined by junior newcomer Molly Eubank and freshman Vicky Rogoschewshy.
“We need for our outside hitters to step up and play well. We've been working with them really hard and I think they're starting to understand what we're asking them to do,” Kirkpatrick said.
Junior Aubre Smith and sophomore Meghan Gilroy are middle hitters who were very important to the
“Our middles held their own last year, and have improved a lot since last season. With only having two last year, they both got a lot of work, and they are starting to understand what the position entails. They both have great work ethics, and want to absorb everything that we throw at them. I'm very excited to see how they progress throughout the season,” Kirkpatrick said.
Sophomores Lauren Barney and Ashley Carmichael are both opposite hitters who will add depth on both offense and defense during the 2007 season.
The Trojans have scheduled tough competition for the upcoming season, with
The 2007 season has many opportunities for success for , which has an experienced core returning to lead them to success.
“I'm really looking forward to starting the season and competing against the teams on our schedule. We want to play the best teams possible to challenge our players to improve and compete. I think we've accomplished that, and that's one of the things I look forward to,” Kirkpatrick said.
Troy will open the 2007 season on Friday Aug. 24 when it travels to Auburn to compete in the Auburn Tournament. Troy will play Auburn at 7 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday, the Trojans will face Tennessee State at 10 a.m. and Nichols State at 4 p.m.
