Aug. 14, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The 2006 UAB Blazers volleyball team is set to begin the Kerry Messersmith era, and this year's squad will be a mix of experience and talent. The Blazers return seven players from last year's team, who worked to post the greatest single-season improvement in school history, winning 13 more matches than the previous campaign. Those veterans, combining with eight newcomers from the junior college and high school ranks, provide Messersmith and company with depth and several options for the upcoming season. UAB wastes no time getting acclimated, kicking off the season August 25th against perennial SEC power Georgia.

Outside Hitters

Ivana Bozic and Aleksandra Vujovic return to the outside for the Blazers in 2006, both looking to build on solid freshman campaigns. Bozic wasted no time proving to be a lethal offensive player, leading UAB in kills (449) in her first collegiate season. Bozic was named third-team All-Conference USA, as well as first-team all-freshman last year. Aleksandra was a steady producer in her first season as a Blazer, ranking second on the team in both kills-per-game (3.03) and digs-per-game (2.76).

"Both of our starting outside hitters are back in Ivana and Aleksandra. They were two of our top three hitters last season, giving us experience in our offensive attack," said Messersmith. "With a year under their belt, we expect them to step it up a notch and lead us in 2006."

The two returnees will be joined by junior Shana Borden, who comes to UAB after an impressive stint at Division II West Georgia. Borden's game experience and versatility round out a capable unit that will look to stabilize the offense this season.

"Shana's junior college experience will provide depth to the position this season, and the improved competition between the three will make the entire squad better," said Messersmith.

Middle Blockers

The middle for UAB will house a plethora of talented players as Shaniquwa Cooper, Casey Dent, Jovon Lewis, Leah Nye and Andrea Lalic will roam the net in 2006.

Cooper and Dent were key parts of a UAB defense that looks to improve under a new system implemented by Messersmith's staff. Cooper started every match for the Blazers last year, and ranked in the C-USA top 10 with 1.06 blocks per game. Dent, in her first season at the collegiate level, established herself as an offensive threat, finishing in the top ten in the conference, while also leading the Blazers with a .304 hitting percentage.

Lewis, Nye, and Lalic provide athleticism and size to the front line, and will compete for time in the middle. Lewis comes to the Blazers from Mountain View College, where she was an all-region selection. Nye is a local product, prepping at Hoover High School, while Lalic starts her UAB career after a stellar prep tenure in Tennessee.

"We expect the middle to improve after getting more acclimated to the conference. After implementing a new system, our middles will become more involved offensively, while posing a bigger threat at the net, " added Messersmith. "Shaniquwa is one of our more experienced players and her athletic ability should thrive in this new system. Casey is a workhorse, and will be a valuable asset no matter where she is on the court."

Right Side

UAB loses a long-time contributor from the right side in Isabel Oquendo, but welcomes back junior Angie Ping and adds a heralded junior college All-American in Fernanda Domingos in hopes to replace the 291 kills that graduated this past season.

Ping returns for her third season at UAB, and will challenge for a spot on the right side. In 2005, Ping played in eight matches, recording 32 kills. She played her best against conference competition, hitting a career high .462 with a career-high 13 kills against Southern Miss last season.

"Angie Ping had a great spring, and really stepped up against top competition," said Messersmith. "We are excited about her versatility, and she will contribute at all three front row positions."

Domingos was a two-time first-team All-American at Cowley Community College, leading her team to a second place finish in the national tournament last season.

"Fernanda comes here with an impressive resume, and we feel she can contribute right away. She's a mature player and she sees the game from a different approach. Her work ethic will challenge her teammates to reach the height of their potential," said Messersmith.

Setter

Nevena Stefanov manned the setter position in her first year at UAB in 2005, posting a great season that put her in the Blazer record book. She had 1,257 assists last year, placing her 10th all-time in the career assists category. A tinker to the offensive attack should open up the court even more for Stefanov this year, and the coaching staff expects big things from there sophomore setter.

"After a strong start to her collegiate career, we expect big things from Nevena this year," said Messersmith. "Our new system provides her with the creativity to make the entire team a more potent attack."

Freshman Aley Tallman comes into the mix after a standout prep career at Bishop Carroll High School in Wichita, Kansas. Tallman's good court vision and great size gives UAB another look, and will put the freshman in a position to contribute.

"Aley brings great athletic ability to the position, and her competitive edge should rub off on the entire squad," added Messersmith.

Libero

Returnee Nicole Bowland, along with junior Briana Galvin and freshman Haylee Adkins, will provide the last line of defense for UAB at the libero position. The trio provides a wealth of experience, as well as strong makeup and good athletic ability.

"Nicole and Briana will provide depth and experience to our team. Nicole saw action in all 27 matches, so her game experience will be a plus for us," commented Messersmith. "Briana re-joins us after a year absence and will make a huge impact on our team defensively. Her strong ball control and mental approach will make us a much better defensive squad. Haylee will push our upperclassmen, and continue to improve every time she steps on the court."

Schedule

Four weekend tournaments and 10 home matches dot the UAB volleyball schedule in 2006. UAB will take on SEC foe Georgia in the opener, and compete against 2005 NCAA Tournament team Marshall twice in the upcoming season.

The new look Conference USA will provide a challenge, as the Blazers look to improve on its 10th place finish in 2005.

"Opening up against a SEC program will challenge us to be ready to play immediately. Our solid pre-conference schedule should prepare us well for the rigors of Conference USA play."