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May 9, 2002
After competing in four tournaments this spring and making solid strides in the off-season, Miami University head volleyball coach Carolyn Condit has a very positive outlook for the fall.
"I am very pleased with the productivity of our spring season," says Condit. "Our individual improvement rate was impressive, and I feel it is a strong indicator of positive things to come in the fall. The team was tested against solid competition, and it was fun to see setter Melinda McCormick connect so well with her hitters, especially against Indiana and Missouri in our final tournament."
Over their four tournaments (Miami Spring Tournament, Bowling Green Spring Tournament, Illinois Spring Tournament and Indiana Spring Tournament), the RedHawks won 21 of 37 games. Miami also gained valuable experience with the newly instituted libero position (a permanent defensive specialist who does not serve).
Miami's four returning starters - Kelly McCullough, Jennifer Eaton, Erika Eagan and Susan Poll - continued to develop and diversify their skills. McCullough, increased her vertical approach jump in the off-season to a program record 10-feet-1-inch. Due to the depth of the team, McCullough was able to sit out a few games to allow younger players to gain more game experience. According to Condit, McCullough's spring performance was consistent, which is characteristic of McCullough, who was a first-team all-MAC selection last season.
Eaton, who was one of the nation's top blockers in 2001, continued to be an imposing presence at the net and was able to fine-tune her quick attack connection with McCormick. Condit notes that Eaton, who was named to the MAC all-Tournament Team and was a second-team all-MAC pick, provided quality senior leadership throughout the spring season.
Eagan continued to be a versatile player on the RedHawk roster. She spent time at both the right- and left-side attack positions and logged time at the setter position. Eagan was among national leaders in digs for the 2001 season.
According to Condit, Poll established herself as a put away player, who was virtually unstoppable from the middle hitter position this spring. Over the four tournaments, Poll hit .331, connecting for kills on 68 of 151 attempts.
Miami's additional three returning letterwinners - Melinda McCormick, Tara Buroker and Jessica Rayburg - also showed steady improvement in the off-season. McCormick made huge strides as Miami's veteran setter this spring, according to Condit, which culminated with an outstanding performance at the Indiana Tournament. In addition to her continued progress in connecting with the Miami hitters, McCommick produced a team-best .439 hitting percentages, recording 22 kills off her left-hand attack.
Buroker, developed a myriad of shots and gained valuable experience as Miami's primary left-side hitter. Condit also notes that Buroker found a defensive rhythm at the left-back position. Rayburg also had a solid spring season as she hit .250 over the four tournaments.
Two players, Amy Pfohl and Angie Zent, made their return to the court after sitting out the fall season following surgery. Pfohl, who was coming off ACL reconstruction, gained valuable playing time at the libero position, while also working back into the left side position. Zent, who owns a 6-foot-2 arm span, made her return from major shoulder surgery to earn extensive time at the left side and proved she will challenge for playing time in the fall.
Due to a rule change in off-season play by the NCAA, redshirt freshman Kristen Walters was able to actively join her teammates on the court in game situations for the first time. According to Condit, Walters gained a great deal of confidence throughout the spring and became a steady performer for the RedHawks at both antennas and in the backcourt.
Miami made its 14th Mid-American Conference Tournament appearance in 18 tournaments last season and posted a 15-12 overall record and 11-7 conference mark to earn the No. 4 seed in the tournament. The RedHawks, who have advanced to the league's tournament championship match more times than any other school, will try to make their 10th MAC Championship match appearance in 2002.
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