Volleyball Preview: Middles

The Privateers lost their leading blocker to graduation but will feature four middles this season led by returning junior, Rhyan Rand. Two local high school standouts and a transfer from Detroit fill out the position. Coach Millicent Van Norden noted this group is fast and athletic.
 
Rand appeared in 26 matches last year with 19 starts. She was in on 69 blocks at the net and added 114 kills. The Lindale, Texas native had three matches with double-digit kills last season. Her highest block total in a match was nine against Southern. Rand has shown her versatility as well over her collegiate career. In her freshman season, she was third on the team in digs.
 
Adding to the list of middles this year are a pair of student-athletes from the Pelican State. Sh'Diamond Holly prepped at Morgan City HS while Nia St. Cyr played at Belle Chasse HS. Both helped guide their team to a quarterfinal appearance in their respective senior seasons.
 
Holly was a three-time All-District selection at Morgan City and an All-State selection as a senior. She was also team MVP twice and a three-time offensive MVP. Holly finished her high school career with 1,387 kills. She also racked up 100 total blocks (74 solo).
 
St. Cyr was a member of the Class 4A All-Academic Team as a senior at Belle Chasse. She hit .330 with the Cardinals and added 199 total blocks. St. Cyr played three sports at Belle Chasse: volleyball, track and field, and basketball.
 
Also in the middle blocker rotation is Shelby Pullins who transferred to the Privateers from Macomb CC. She averaged over a block per set (1.15) and played 95 sets (29 matches). The Detroit native also registered 150 kills.
 
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