Volleyball Opens Conference Play at Home
9/21/2011 7:28:00 PM | Volleyball
STATESBORO, Ga. - The Georgia Southern Volleyball team (7-8) opens Southern Conference play at home with a pair of home matches this week. The Eagles play host to Wofford on Thursday at 6 p.m. and Furman on Saturday at 1 p.m.
"We are excited to get the conference season started. It is probably going to be the toughest year yet in terms of competitiveness," said Head Coach Chad Callihan. "It has been an up and down season so far, but I felt like we found some footing this past weekend and played a little more consistent. Hopefully we can carry that forward."
GSU snapped a six-game losing streak with an undefeated run through the Bash in the Boro last weekend. Georgia Southern improved to 6-2 at home with four-straight wins including a 3-0 victory over Ohio on Friday. The wins come at the right time for the Eagles, who will start their 2010 Southern Conference Tournament Title defense this week.
New starters Meredith Paskert (Brecksville, Ohio) and Lauren LaRocque (Frisco, Texas) were key parts of the strong showing at the Bash in the Boro. Paskert posted 10 or more kills in three of the four matches over the weekend, and LaRocque recorded 20+ digs for the second time this season in the Georgia State victory.
"Meredith and Roc are two kids that have slid into some new spots," said Callihan. "We have only two kids that are playing in the same spot as they did last year even though we have a number of familiar faces."
Both Paskert and LaRocque have had to adjust to their new roles. Paskert joined the team prior to the season after transferring from Kent State and LaRocque is serving as the team's libero for this season.
"It has taken them a few weeks to really understand what we are expecting from them. I think they have been pressing a little bit and trying to do too much," said Callihan. "I think they are beginning to feel comfortable in the system and understand what their responsibilities are. By doing that it frees them up to play a little easier and more care free."
Georgia Southern was picked first in the Southern Conference's South Division in the preseason coaches poll, something they have not done in the divisional format. The two division setup first appeared in the 2003 season and reappeared in 2008. The Eagles wrapped up 2010 with a 14-2 record in conference play and a second place finish in the south division.
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