Lehigh University Athletics
Preseason camp underway for Lehigh volleyball
8/20/2010 8:50:00 PM | Volleyball
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Coming off their first Patriot League tournament appearance since 2003, the Lehigh volleyball team returned to practice this week in preparation for the upcoming season. The squad reported to Leeman-Turner Arena on Tuesday and will have another full week of practice before traveling to Pittsburgh, Pa. for the season-opener vs. Duquesne in the Courtyard by Marriott Invitational on August 27.
Under the tutelage of fourth-year head coach Jenny Maurer, the Mountain Hawks have increased their win total in each of the past three seasons. With a talented group of returning athletes and incoming freshmen, Maurer believes the team can continue to make strides in 2010.
"We are really pleased about the shape in which everybody came into camp," Maurer explained. "We're excited about the goals the team has set and we can tell the team is dedicated to fulfilling those goals and competing for a Patriot League title."
Maurer continued, "Our overall skill level has really improved. Last spring, our focal point was becoming more athletic and increasing our volleyball IQ. With the offseason work, we are now more intelligent players on the court. We have really become students of the game."
The Mountain Hawks finished with a 14-16 record in 2009, including a 7-7 mark in league play. With four wins in the last six regular season games, Lehigh earned the No. 4 seed in the Patriot League tournament, before bowing out to top-seed Army in the semifinals. Maurer believes the experience of postseason play will serve the team well going into this season.
"We were the rookies of the tournament last year, so there were some jitters at first," Maurer admitted. "But within that semifinal match, we competed and didn't let the jitters consume us. We really matured within one match."
With no seniors on the 2010 roster, Lehigh will lean on its deep junior class for leadership and experience. Among the six-member class are first-team All-Patriot League selection Angelika Kopacz and the reigning Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, Emma Melendez. Kopacz led the team with 342 kills and crushed 42 aces last season, while Melendez posted a team-best 432 digs.
Maurer has been impressed with the leadership of the junior class thus far in camp, especially with regard to the six incoming freshmen.
"It feels like our freshmen have been here for six months already and that's a testament to our upperclassmen," Maurer said. "They have really connected with the upperclassmen and have fit in so well with our team dynamic."
