2007 Women's Volleyball Preseason Newsletter 2007 SEASON PREVIEW

2007 SCHEDULE

2007 SEASON PREVIEW

According to first-year head coach Mickey Cahoon, the Clark University women’s volleyball team is set for a season of change. With a revamped roster and system, the Cougars hope to improve upon last year’s 12-13 record (4-4 NEWMAC) – their best campaign since 2001. Although Clark graduated four seniors, including both starting setters and a NEWVA Senior All-Star, Cahoon is optimistic that the eight returnees and a pair of promising recruits can develop into a competitive team.

“The major theme so far has been change,” said Cahoon, a first-time collegiate head coach. “However, I have been really impressed with the team’s attitude – especially their willingness to adjust to new positions.”

While the Cougars will miss Margo Labadorf, Sarah Hunsucker and Karleen Porcena should have no problem filling the void in the middle. Hunsucker, the lone senior captain, topped the team in blocks (23 BS; 30 BA) and finished second in kills per game (2.54) last season, while Porcena (2.12 k/g), a two-year starter, hopes to make the successful transition from outside to middle this year. Senior transfer Pamela Taylor will also be in the rotation.

Sophomore Emily Visone, a former defensive specialist who set a new season mark for digs in a game (4.35) last year, will team up with sophomore Liz Magier, a converted middle-hitter, to give the Cougars a solid outside-hitting tandem. After seeing limited playing time last season, sophomore Brittany Meadows will move into a starting role on the right-side this year. Senior Kate Head, another right-side option, should give Clark much-needed size on the front row.

Cahoon, who must fill the vacancies left by setters Tiffany Ong and Larissa Christensen, is confident that sophomore Kylie Kutney and newcomer Emily Corbett, a former two-year varsity player at Strath Haven (Pa.) High, can step right in and make an immediate contribution. “One of the challenges we face is that we have little experience in that position,” Cahoon said. “However, both players are working extremely hard and are quick studies at that spot.”

Clark should also be bolstered by the addition of first-year Lisa Taylor – penciled in as the starting libero.

In a league as strong as the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC), Cahoon feels that defense will be the name of the game. “When you combine our work-ethic and athleticism on the
back row, we certainly have the ability to be a factor on the defensive end. At the same time, we’re young, so we will take some hits; but our goal is to work towards being a competitive team.”

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Women's Volleyball Office
Mickey Cahoon, Head Coach, 508-793-7260
Email: mcahoon@clarku.edu