University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Cajuns Open Season at LSU Tiger Classic
8/25/2011 3:33:00 PM | Volleyball
After their best season in nearly a decade, the University of Louisiana volleyball hopes to continue the steady momentum for the 2011 season. The Ragin' Cajuns open the season at the LSU Tiger Classic on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26-27 at the Pete Maravich Center in Baton Rouge.
UL starts the campaign against Ohio Valley Conference foe Jacksonville State at 10 a.m. Then, the Cajuns play host LSU at 7 p.m., who is currently 27th in voting in the preseason American Volleyball Coaches Association poll.
On Saturday, UL serves it up against Alcorn State at 9 a.m. before closing out the two-day tournament against Miami (FL).
The Cajuns posted a 17-16 mark last season, earning their first winning season and a berth to the Sun Belt Conference Tournament since 2002. UL posted a 10-2 mark at Earl K. Long Gym to record the best home stretch since 1998.
The loss of rally-scoring era digs leader Lindsay Brown and offensive star Caroline Dufrene will require some veterans to transition into the leadership role.
"Last season was what we needed to happen," said fourth year head coach Heather Mazeitis. "It was a huge step in the right direction. It was a special group of girls that came together.
When the ball started rolling, it kept going and all of sudden they started to believe. The girls that are returning have that level of expectation built in."
Leading that role is returning All-Sun Belt middle blocker Lesley Mirarchi. Last season, Mirarchi threw down 364 kills and stuffed a team-leading 106.0 blocks.
Joining Mirarchi in the leadership role is junior setter Mandi Gavin. Last season, Gavin ranked fourth in the Sun Belt with 9.54 assists per game becoming the first UL setter to clip the 1,000 assists plateau since 2007.
The versatility of sophomore Taylor Meade will help the Cajuns after she notched 259 kills and scooped 312 digs in her rookie campaign. Meade led the Sun Belt with 49 service aces.
The Cajuns expect contributions from Kerrilyn Lazare, Blair Claypoole and Tonice White to help continue the offensive success from 2010. Providing the defensive depth will be sophomores Kristen Armstrong and Lavinia Tataran.
Seven newcomers debut for Louisiana in 2011. Caitlin Auxilien (defensive specialist) and Andrea Hole (setter) provide depth for those positions. UL will also bring in three outside hitters in Emily Klein, Kaylee Nemeth and Kelly Weismann. Lafayette native Mayme Cook will compete for a spot in the outside hitter role.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS:
Jacksonville State: The Gamecocks finished the 2010 season with a 16-14 record overall and an 11-7 mark in the Ohio Valley Conference. JSU is predicted to finish third in the OVC this season and will rely on preseason All-Conference outside hitter Jen Meyer who was second on the team with 2.41 kills last season.
LSU: The Tigers posted a 25-5 record last season, clinching the SEC West title with a 16-4 mark. LSU fell to Tulsa in the first round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament. Michelle Williams returns to the Tigers after tallying 334 kills to earn second team All-SEC honors.
Alcorn State: The Braves look to bounce back in 2011 after posting a 0-23 overall record last season. Shaquanda Hollis returns as the team leader, recording 124 kills for Alcorn State in 2010.
Miami (FL): The Hurricanes are coming off back-to-back NCAA appearances and are hoping for a deeper run in 2011. Last season, Miami notched a 23-9 overall record before falling to Indiana in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. All-America outside hitter Lane Carico returns for her senior season and is averaging nearly 450 kills per season through her first three years at UM.
LIVE COVERAGE AND TICKETS: Fans can access live stats for each match through RaginCajuns.com. Fans may also view live video of the matches for a fee. Admission to the LSU Tiger Classic is free.
-- Ragin' Cajuns --
