2008 Woodie Awards
Volleyball takes experience into 2007 season
Drew Bollea
Issue date: 9/7/07 Section: Sports
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After losing their first three matches in the Best Western/Sycamore Inn Invitation last weekend, the RedHawks fought back, winning the final two matches to finish second in their home tournament behind the University of Michigan Wolverines.
The RedHawks look to build confidence off of their current two-game winning streak as they finish up non-conference play.
Although the preseason MAC poll has the RedHawks ranked third, Miami is returning its entire team from last season-and has its eyes on the top spot.
"Since we're returning everyone, there hasn't been a rebuilding phase," junior Emily Schroeder said. "We have an already strong foundation to build upon."
The RedHawks are led by the powerful hitting of senior Jeanna Staun and Schroeder. The 'Hawks' roster was completed this season with the addition of first-year player Michele Metzler.
"(Metzler) is a player to watch," Head Coach Carolyn Condit said. "She is a very bright young lady with the ability to keep our team in every match."
The sophomore class of Hallie Hanks, Megan Griffin and Andrea Atteberry looks to add a lot of depth to an already deep roster, allowing the RedHawks to keep up a fast-paced game without getting tired legs.
Coach Condit has big plans for her team this season, with the ultimate goal being to win the MAC Championship and qualify for the National Championships.
The 'Hawks know they have the strength to do better than their projected third place MAC finish, especially behind a very powerful Miami offense.
The offense will depend on players like Schroeder and Staun to exploit the weaknesses of their opponents and attack with their quick speed and precision passing, all things Condit said were important for her team to perfect.
"We have a team that is very close knit and upperclassmen that helped integrate the freshmen very quickly, which is important to our success," Condit said.
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