NEW ORLEANS – An early morning wake-up call signaled the start of preseason camp on Monday for the University of New Orleans volleyball team.
The 11-member squad took to the floor at 6 a.m. on Monday morning under the direction of second-year head coach Kim Young.
Before hitting the court, the team conducted their annual compliance meetings and individual physicals on Sunday. Young added some fun to the day's itinerary as the squad got to know each other over a game of laser tag following their meetings.
“The seven freshmen along with two returnees and two additions from the spring walked into the meeting room early Sunday with chatter about who was going to win at laser tag,” said Young. “Laser tag gave us a chance to see the girls' competitive side outside the lines that surround our volleyball court.”
“They really challenged each other for the top spot on the leaderboard. These girls were pros at laser tag and it was fun to see them relaxed and getting to know each other.
Young, who directed the program to a 10-9 record in her first year at the helm, will have a challenging task ahead of her this year as she returns just two letter-winners who account for only 39 matches of collegiate in-game.
Of the 11 players that reported on Sunday, eight are freshmen. One of the eight is Tory Hearn, who was a member of the UNO women's basketball team last season and will have four years of volleyball eligibility remaining.
Returnees Evelyn Kovacs and Samantha Hauck must take on a leadership role, according to Young.
Kovacs is the only player on the squad from the Privateers' 2009 Sun Belt West Division championship and enters her third year as a member of the roster. Hauck emerged from a preseason tryout to play in 14 matches last season.
“Our returners definitely set the tempo today in practice,” said Young. “They were vociferous and they kept all the drills up tempo. “
“We will depend on Evelyn, our sole returning starter from last year's team, to be our voice and to guide our freshmen in the right direction.”
The UNO volleyball team will break camp upon the beginning of classes on August 20th and get into their in-season practice schedule. The Privateers will open their season on Sept. 2 in the Millsaps Invitational before returning home for a Sept. 6 date against Alcorn State.
VOLLEYBALL KEY DATES
Aug. 14 – Team reports; NCAA and University meetings
Aug. 15 – Practice begins
Sept. 2 – 2011 season begins vs Spring Hill (Millsaps Tournament), 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 6 – First home match vs Alcorn State (Lakefront Arena), 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 – First match of Gulf South Conference schedule at West Florida, 7 p.m.
Nov. 5 – 'Senior Day' against West Georgia (Lakefront Arena), 2 p.m.
