Aug. 22, 2006

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - With eight letterwinners returning, including four starters and its libero from last season, expectation are running high for the 2006 University of Memphis volleyball team. Despite an up-and-down 2005 season, a more experienced group of returnees mixed with a talented group of newcomers look to put Memphis in contention for the Conference USA title.

"Our goal for the 2006 season is to win all of our non-conference matches and to contend for the conference championship in November," said 11th-year head coach Carrie Yerty. "We have a group of student-athletes that are committed to excellence, that are dedicated and determined to win and they are willing to work hard to achieve success."

To achieve this goal, however, it will take a "team" mentality-something that the 2005 squad lacked. Every player will to have to understand and accept their role.

"I feel like we are more solid all the way around as a team this year. We have the right pieces in place, but we are going to have to be an unselfish team and focus on what we can do together to achieve success," said Yerty.

Liberos

The Tigers will look to senior libero and co-captain Christen Clayton for leadership on and off the court. At the libero position, the program's single-season digs record-holder will be a vital facet of the team's success. Not only is Clayton a team captain, but she is a solid passer and defender.

"Christen is a disciplined defender, and she will anchor the passing and defensive schemes we bring to the court for the 2006 year," Yerty said.

Defensive Specialist

Sophomore Kori Smith will be back to serve as the defensive specialist.

Offense

This year, the Tiger will have a more balanced offense. Not only are the primary attackers back, but fans will see a much more diverse, faster and unselfish offense take the floor. The attackers have better shot selection and understand the game of volleyball much better. In addition, they are willing to sacrifice less personal attention for the success of the team which is critical to achieving the season's ultimate goal. A large part of this season's success will rest on the shoulders of sophomore setter Laura Côté, who enters the season a year wiser and more prepared.

Outside Hitters

Ashley Liford returns for her junior campaign-one that will see her take on not only responsibilities of being the No. 1 attack option as well as being a primary passer. Liford, who looks to have a breakout year, returns as a more mature and solid all -around player. Senior Melissa Nance is also ready to step in and continue to grow and play in the back row.

A versatile Colette Ramirez returns to for her final campaign to play either outside or right side. In addition to the already solid core of hitters, the Tigers have two freshmen at the outside or right side hitter positions that will challenge the returners for playing time. Local Germantown High School product Lauren Thompson and Texas State 3A Tournament MVP Katlin Inglish are both capable of stepping in and providing an offensive lift for the Tigers.

"Katlin has done a great job of stepping into the offense as well as adjusting to the speed of the game," said Yerty.

Big things are expected from Sarah Bury this year. The sophomore who showed flashes of brilliance in 2005 has moved from the middle hitter position to the outside. She will also be a primary passer as well as a "go-to" attacker on the front row.

"Sarah is a spiritual leader for our team," stated Yerty. "She is ultra-competitive and brings an incredible work ethic to the court. She is poised to have a great year."

Middle Hitter

One of the top middles in Conference USA, Shelby Burton returns as one of the key contributors to the Tigers' success this year. An explosive and dynamic slide attacker, Burton has also displayed a disciplined block. She led Memphis in blocks a year ago and looks to force opponents to adjust their playing style and their offense around how they are going to stop her.

One of the most versatile players on the team, Nance will also play in the middle. She also has the ability to contribute as a passer and defender.

"Melissa is a mature player that has been a team captain for three years now. She is one of those players that is always solid and always puts up good numbers and doesn't care who gets the credit."

Setter

At the setter position Memphis returns Côté, who set a freshman record for assists last season with 1,451. The Canadian sophomore is more explosive and stronger. She has more court knowledge and a better court awareness with year of experience under her belt. She was a two-time Conference USA Setter of the Week honoree as a freshman, and with more experience, should be a threat in the league as one of the top setters. Christine Bach will battle for time at the controls of the Memphis offense as well. The Germany native is a very dynamic and smooth athlete with an incredible work ethic and court personality.

Newcomers

Memphis has eight newcomers on this year's team-all freshmen. Thompson , the Tennessee State Gatorade Player of the Year recipient, highlights the list of talented rookies. Inglish, who led her Bellville High School team to a Texas State 3A championship, comes in and brings valuable experience from one of the best club teams in the country. Rachel Theard, who teamed up with Inglish on the Texas Tornados club team, joins the Tiger program and will battle for time this season as well as displaying a wealth of potential for the future.

Sarah Chambers, a District MVP and Player of the Year award winner, will provide depth at the defensive specialist position, as well as Marcie Zorzoli, who helped Thompson guide Germantown High School to a 61-8 mark and a state championship last year. Emily Underwood will be growing and learning in 2006. At 6'3" she has an abundance of untapped potential that has the Tiger coaching staff excited about what she can develop into. An all-state performer in Wisconsin, Bach has surprised the coaching staff with her ability.

"We knew when we recruited her that she was a good setter," said Yerty. "But when she got here she was ready and excited for the opportunity to challenge for time on the court."

Schedule

After spending much of the 2005 season on the road, the Tigers look for a change of pace this year with 17 home dates on the schedule. Included in those 17 home matches are two preseason tournaments that will provide a challenge to prepare Memphis for a tough Conference USA slate.

"We are really excited that we have two home tourneys this year," said Yerty. "We were on the road a lot last year and it is really important for our girls to get a feel for game speed and situations early on at home with our crowd and homecourt advantage."

Memphis' non-conference schedule is more regional this year due to a strenuous conference schedule that requires substantial travel. This should play positively into the Tigers' hands once league play begins.

In all, Yerty and her staff is excited for this year.

"Anytime you get the opportunity to work with a bunch of student-athletes that are dedicated to excellence, that are committed to each other and to the growth of the program and are willing to accept their roles and compete and train and not care who gets the credit you have an equation of a team that is on the road to success. Good things are in the future for Tiger Volleyball."