Coach Mazeitis Signs Three to National Letters of Intent for 2008-09

[NewsCopy]

UL - Louisiana Lady Cajuns head volleyball coach Heather Mazeitis announced the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent for the 2008-09 academic year Tuesday. Meghan Harrison (Pewaukee, Wis.), Amanda Cune (College Station, Texas) and Lesley Mirarchi (Plano, Texas) solidify the beginning of Mazeitis’ first signing class as Ragin’ Cajuns head coach. Harrison, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker, was a three-time all-conference and team MVP selection at Waukesha North High School. She was twice given the Best Offensive Award, while also earning the Tyler Volleyball Players Choice Scholarship Award. Harrison, who served as team captain during her senior season, was named to Prep Volleyball’s “Soph 79”, which recognizes the top sophomores in the country. “Meghan will come in and make an impact for us immediately,” Mazeitis said. “She has size, athleticism and a big swing. “I believe her future as a Ragin’ Cajun is as an outside hitter.” Cune, the first of two Texas natives in the signing class, could be the most decorated of the rookie trio. The libero earned first team All-District and All-Academic accolades as a senior at Bryan High in College Station. As a junior, she was named to the All-District 13-5A second team at right side/outside hitter. Cune also was named to the All-Texas Team by LonestarVolleyball.com in 2005 and 2006. During her sophomore season in 2005, she guided Bryan to the District 13-5A championship, while earning All-Academic and honorable mention All-District honors. “Amanda is an incredibly athletic player,” Mazeitis said. “She has the complete game and could help us at many different positions. She is a tough competitor that will be a great addition to our young squad.” Mirarchi, a 6-foot middle blocker from Plano, Texas, completes the Cajuns’ early signings. As a senior, she led District 9-5A in blocks earning All-District honors. Mirarchi guided Plano Senior High to the 2004 and 2005 District 9-5A title. In 2005, she participated at the High Performance Youth Camp and was a member of the 2006 North Texas Region Sand Series Champion. A member of the Skyline Club Volleyball squad, she earned the club’s best defensive player away. In 2007, she was an All-Collin County selection at middle blocker. “Lesley is very quick,” Mazeitis said. “She can run the court antennae to antennae extremely well and get up on the attack with speed. She can cut the ball well and makes very smart decisions on the attack.” RaginCajuns.com Chris Yandle

[cajunvbmom]

Congratulations! With the returning talent from last year and the high prospects of the signees I KNOW we will see improvement. We were right on the doorstep so many times last year and too often beat ourselves. I see a focus and intensity in this team and feel like 2008 is when we will kick the door in... (props to Bum Phillips).

[DaddyCajun]

I was at the recent Houston National Volleyball Qualifier and saw UL coaches there recruiting. There were 164 volleyball courts with atleast 4 teams playing or waiting to play at all times. I am happy to hear that UL is getting better and better in volleyball.

Good Luck,
DaddyCajun

[cajunvbmom]

While the Houston Qualifier was going on at Reliant our girls were also in Houston playing in a College Spring Tournament at the Texas Tornados facility.

Just as Coach Mazeitis predicted, with 24 teams (including the National Champions-Penn State as well as several top ranked teams)I believe the girls were able to see and get a better understanding of what's required to be competitive at the highest level.

We are all excited!

[CajunCharlie]

_ While the Houston Qualifier was going on at Reliant our girls were also in Houston playing in a College Spring Tournament at the Texas Tornados facility.

Just as Coach Mazeitis predicted, with 24 teams (including the National Champions-Penn State as well as several top ranked teams)I believe the girls were able to see and get a better understanding of what's required to be competitive at the highest level.

We are all excited! _

Mom, can you tell us specifically how the Ladies performed. Here's hoping they have a season that will set them on the right course. Mazeitis sounds like a great hire.

[cajunvbmom]

I'll try to be as objective as a devoted mom can be

The girls have been working extra hard in the gym and it's evident in their swings and hitting power. Coach has girls on different areas of the court, not necessarily playing different positions, but using different lineups and rotations. This takes girls out of their comfort zones and lets the coach see just how versatile they are.

I feel like serving is still an issue, but that's just like free throws in basketball... you can be a 75-80% free throw shooter, miss a few and then your head starts messing with you and instead of "doing" what you know, you start "thinking". It needs to be second nature.

Bottom line is this... new coach; players with 2-3 years experience on the court; impressive recruits; new attitudes...

We can't help but improve!

[cajunvbmom]

After I wrote all that I went back and read your post and realized you asked how did they perform NOT how have they improved. Sorry!

They performed very well... serving was our downfall in a few matches but hitting looked good, blocking was good.

We didn't "win" any of the games I saw but we didn't get blown out and if we were playing to 30 instead of 25 I know we would have pulled out a few wins.

(I have to get used to the new rule change)