Maryland Volleyball Looks To Return To The Top Of The Atlantic Coast Conference - Maryland Terrapins
1/1/1970 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Aug. 28, 2001
COLLEGE PARK, Md.- After a season of up and downs in 2000, Maryland volleyball
coach Janice Kruger has developed a talented mix of players
to propel the Terrapins back to the upper echelon of the Atlantic
Coast Conference. In her 14th season at the helm in College Park, Kruger's
Terrapins have the depth, experience and talent to get back to their winning
ways of the late O80s through the mid-90's when Maryland rattled off nine
straight winning seasons.
"I am very optimistic for the upcoming season," commented Kruger. "The
returning players have committed to leading by example and the freshman
class will help bring needed depth to our team. We are starting our push to
return to the top of the ACC."
With the loss of just two seniors and the return of 10 letterwinners and
four starters, the foundation is set for Kruger and her staff. With the
addition of six skilled freshmen, enthusiasm and anticipation is running
high throughout the Maryland volleyball program. "I am enthusiastic about
this team's commitment to working hard," added Kruger. "We are on the verge
of a big breakthrough campaign with this young and talented squad."
One of the strengths that the Terrapins possess is the ability to have
an athletic and diverse offense. Having starters return at setter, outside
hitter and right side, the Terrapins should have an exciting offense to
watch.
Leading the way is All-ACC candidate Carey Brennan. The junior outside
hitter begins her third season as a starter and is the backbone to a
tenacious attack. The athletic leaper from Smithsburg, Md., is fresh off a
career year in which she led the team in several offensive categories
including kills (441), digs (375) and attempts (1,218). Her 441 kills place
her fifth on the all-time single-season kill chart and the 1,218 total
attempts place Brennan second on the single-season list. "Carey's
athleticism is truly a gift,"said Kruger. "I have high expectations for
Carey this season and she has set even higher goals for herself. Carey will
bring an improved game to the court this fall."
Four returning letterwinners and five freshmen join Brennan up front.
Senior Willette Dority, one of two seniors on the roster, is primed for a
breakout season at the middle hitter position. After battling injuries
throughout her first three seasons, Dority was a key contributor down the
stretch last season for the Terps. "Willette is one of our team captains.
She is ready to have a huge year for us," said Kruger.
Junior Amanda Ayres returns for her third season in the red, black, gold
and white. One of the most versatile players on the team, Ayres has proven
she can play along the front line or in the back row. In addition, Ayres
will see time in the middle this season for the Terps. In her first year as
a regular last season, Ayres set career highs in kills (192) and digs (284).
"Amanda has improved her game since last year. She worked hard during the
spring and it will show in the fall. Her increased strength should just be
another dimension to her overall improvement as a volleyball player."
On the right side, sophomore Lynnsy Jones provides another option on the
offensive attack. A skilled athlete with one of the best jump serves in the
ACC, Jones led the conference with 45 service aces. Jones also proved to be
an all-around threat as she totaled 127 kills, 46 assists and 32 total
blocks. "Lynnsy has raised the bar this offseason. I have seen tremendous
development in her game and she will be a major factor to contend with in
2001," added Kruger.
Another sophomore, Maria DiLivio, just got better and better as the
season progressed in 2000. The lone Canadian on the roster, DiLivio gives
the Terrapins great size and strength at the outside hitter position. In her
rookie campaign, DiLivio finished on a strong note, as she totaled
career-highs in kills (18) and digs (14) on Senior Day against Clemson in
the home finale. After having a season under her belt, DiLivio is primed to
develop into one of the team?s most consistent hitters. "After her freshman
season, Maria?s focus has been on improving her strength and she has
accomplished that. I expect Maria's play to be very consistent this season,"
said Kruger.
Five newcomers will bolster an already experienced and talented front
line. A pair of freshmen middle hitters, Alexandra Toregas and Stephanie
Smith, should compete immediately and be excellent options in the middle
behind Dority. "Alexandra and Stephanie will be challenged immediately to
provide depth to the middle blocking position. Both possess good natural
blocking action and should see some time in the middle," Kruger said.
On the right side, freshman Roxann Calderon is the only southpaw on the
roster and has the ability and potential to contribute in key situations as
a rookie. Two other freshmen, Jennifer Dewalt and Sarah Treadwell, both
bring excellent athletic skills and the natural ability to become playmakers
in their first seasons in College Park. "I really like the makeup of this
outside hitting class especially with having a lefthander like Roxann in the
rotation. All three players are going to get the opportunity to contribute
this year."
Setting up the attack for the Terrapins are junior Lindsay Davey and
freshman Aimee Huddleston. Davey returns for her second straight season as a
starter and is coming off one of the best seasons in school history. The
Colorado native dished out 1,235 assists in 2000, fifth-best in
single-season history. Davey logged the most games played on the team as she
appeared in all 30 matches and 107 games. "Lindsay is primed and ready to
have a productive season. She has grown in so many ways since arriving at
Maryland. After last year's solid performance, I can see Lindsay having her
best campaign yet in 2001," added Kruger.
Huddleston gives the Terrapins a second option at setter. The first-year
setter from Keller, Texas is a tenacious competitor and a solid athlete who
should continue to improve with more experience. "Aimee is a strong
competitor and a natural leader on the court. Her enthusiastic play is
contagious," commented Kruger.
In the back row, four members return with a year of experience under
their belts. Senior Shannon Toback along with a trio of sophomores - Fiona
DeFreitas, Lauren Wilson and Kathy Shahrokh - all give Maryland four players
with solid ball control and excellent defensive skills. "Shannon, Fiona,
Kathy and Lauren have all worked hard this past spring. Their defensive
range and individual skills have shown marked improvement and I look forward
to seeing them contribute to our team's improved ball control," Kruger said.
The final piece of the puzzle is the return of junior defensive
specialist Autumn Wilson. After missing last season studying abroad in
France, Wilson gives the Terps another player who has plenty of experience
of competing in the ACC. With five players in the back row capable of making
an impact, the Terrapins return depth and talent to all six positions on the
court. "Autumn has an intensity for life that is matched by only a few
people," said Kruger. "She is an outstanding ball control player with great
leadership skills. The team is looking forward to having her back since she
brings such an intense competitive spirit to practices and matches."
Having back an experienced core of players and a group of talented
newcomers will be important as the Terrapins face a challenging slate in
2001. Early-season tests at the Hoosier Invitational and the B&G Properties
Classic will prepare the Terps for another season in the competitive
Atlantic Coast Conference. Matchups with Tennessee, Indiana and Bowling
Green highlight the trip to the Hoosier Invitational while Providence,
Southwest Texas State and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi wait for the Terps at the
B&G Properties Classic. The Terrapins close out the tournament portion of
their schedule when they welcome Temple, St. Peter?s and Colgate to the
Maryland Invitational.
The combination of returning talent added to an influx of impact
newcomers makes the 2001 season a very promising one for the Terrapins. With
just two seniors on the roster, the future of Maryland volleyball is even
brighter. "Right now I am liking our chances as an ACC spoiler. Our players
and coaches are very excited for the 2001 campaign. With our great mix of
experience and youth and the `heart' this team possesses, we will have a
marked improvement in the standings this season,"said Kruger.
