University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville Volleyball Begins Preparations for 2010 Season
08.11.2010 | Women's Volleyball
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The UNC Asheville volleyball team has begun preparations for the 2010 season this week as the Bulldogs look to defend their Big South Conference regular-season title. Julie Torbett's club has been practicing hard as they train for their season-opener against Davidson on Aug. 27 in the James Madison Invitational.
Asheville went 25-10 in 2009 and captured the Big South Conference regular-season championship for the first time since 2002. Torbett's club set a school record for Big South Conference wins with 13.
However, the Bulldogs graduated six players and three starters from last year's title-winning club. Four starters are back but Asheville has some work to do before the first match.
"I'm glad we have some time before our first match," commented Torbett, who was named Big South Conference Coach of the Year last season. "We have a lot of new players, and we're going to have to see how everybody fits together. I like our new players, and they have some talent but we've got a lot of work in front of us."
The cupboard isn't exactly bare in Asheville. The Bulldogs return first-team Big South Conference performer Kelsey Benorden for her senior season. Benorden was named to the league's pre-season all-conference team last week. Also back is senior setter Rachel Guinane and senior right side hitter Jenna Dover. Both have played a great deal in their career and are good leaders.
Junior outside hitter Cindi Miller returns along with junior Rachel Olivo. Both have played a great deal in their careers and will be counted on in 2010. Sophomores' Holly Shelton, Anna Beth Parlier and Chelsie Kenley earned valuable experience last season.
The newcomers include Syracuse transfer Hallie Morse and Florida Southern transfer Kate Henson. The freshmen are Jamie Dorfman, Meredith Foster, Alex Stewart and Rachel Wells. Foster and Stewart played nearby at prep power West Henderson HS.
Asheville plays its first 12 matches away from home before its home opener against Gardner-Webb at Justice Center on Sept. 21.
