Volleyball Preview......sort of

[Grantvb]

JMV asked for a rundown on the Volleyball team, here goes (from a layman).

While Coach Kristy Gray is entering her second season at the helm, the good news is the Cajuns return 10 players from last year, including 7 of our 8 most experienced players by sets played. Senior Kelsey Bennett, Juniors Reka Kotorman, Brianna Franklin, Kara Barnes, Emery Judkins and Sophomore Coco Gillet round out a very experienced team.

Though the squad is thinner this season versus last season with a 16 head count versus 18 in 2021; the upper classmen (Juniors/Senior) still hold a 9-7 lead over Sophomores/Freshman.

I expect for Georgia Southern Junior transfer, Mya Wilson, to provide offensive boost as she was #8 in total sets played last year for the Eagles, BUT was 3rd on the team in total points scored.

We seem to be in good shape with hitters at (7). This can be very beneficial when rotation puts the setter in back row, as the could leave us with (3) hitters in front row - each with a back-up on the bench +1. This would greatly depend on whether Coach Gray runs a 6-2 or 5-1 court offense.

At this point, we are going with (3) setters - Danielle Taix doubles as a defensive specialist as well - Siena DeCambra appears to be the main setter in this line-up. Again, the choice of 6-2 vs 5-1 will dictate set count (how long each setter stays in).

Defensively, we have 5 D. Specialist (with 2 Liberos) to start the season. With (2) Blockers also, this balances the offense/defense at 7 apiece (setters are usually neutral).

A cautious observation suggests the Cajuns need to remain healthy throughout the season as 16 players make for a very lean roster.

I have not had a chance to review our conference opponents, but looking at the schedule, there are some big names in the Cajuns' sights this season with Mississippi St, Michigan St, UTSA and Alabama are part of the Cajuns' 9-game out of conference. Conference run starts on 9/22 at Troy. 16 conference games for a 25-game total ahead of the Conference Tournament.

With the renovations done to EKL Gym, look for a great atmosphere when USM comes to town on Nov 3/4.

I'll have more insite later - especially once the season gets underway.

*A special thanks to my 16 year old daughter for assisting with this preview and providing insight.

GEAUX CAJUNS.

[JMV JustMyView]

JMV asked for a rundown on the Volleyball team, here goes (from a layman).

While Coach Kristy Gray is entering her second season at the helm, the good news is the Cajuns return 10 players from last year, including 7 of our 8 most experienced players by sets played. Senior Kelsey Bennett, Juniors Reka Kotorman, Brianna Franklin, Kara Barnes, Emery Judkins and Sophomore Coco Gillet round out a very experienced team.

Though the squad is thinner this season versus last season with a 16 head count versus 18 in 2021; the upper classmen (Juniors/Senior) still hold a 9-7 lead over Sophomores/Freshman.

I expect for Georgia Southern Junior transfer, Mya Wilson, to provide offensive boost as she was #8 in total sets played last year for the Eagles, BUT was 3rd on the team in total points scored.

We seem to be in good shape with hitters at (7). This can be very beneficial when rotation puts the setter in back row, as the could leave us with (3) hitters in front row - each with a back-up on the bench +1. This would greatly depend on whether Coach Gray runs a 6-2 or 5-1 court offense.

At this point, we are going with (3) setters - Danielle Taix doubles as a defensive specialist as well - Siena DeCambra appears to be the main setter in this line-up. Again, the choice of 6-2 vs 5-1 will dictate set count (how long each setter stays in).

Defensively, we have 5 D. Specialist (with 2 Liberos) to start the season. With (2) Blockers also, this balances the offense/defense at 7 apiece (setters are usually neutral).

A cautious observation suggests the Cajuns need to remain healthy throughout the season as 16 players make for a very lean roster.

I have not had a chance to review our conference opponents, but looking at the schedule, there are some big names in the Cajuns' sights this season with Mississippi St, Michigan St, UTSA and Alabama are part of the Cajuns' 9-game out of conference. Conference run starts on 9/22 at Troy. 16 conference games for a 25-game total ahead of the Conference Tournament.

With the renovations done to EKL Gym, look for a great atmosphere when USM comes to town on Nov 3/4.

I'll have more insite later - especially once the season gets underway.

*A special thanks to my 16 year old daughter for assisting with this preview and providing insight.

GEAUX CAJUNS.

Great overview. Look forward to making some games this season.You didn't mention anything about Jordan Valley, but I think she is a spark for the team. Really enjoy her hustle on the court.

[Grantvb]

Jordan was 4th on the team in digs last season. With Hanna Ramirez (#2 overall) gone, Jordan will need to come in big. She is only a sophomore, so look for her to be a solid rotate-in and setting up for next season as well.

[moorecajun]

I am going to try to make some of their games this year; it is an exciting sport, it just seems the games are always at an inopportune time for us.