UM's Start to the Season is a Smash!

In their quest towards an ACC Crown, the University of Miami started their season with a convincing performance against a talented Florida Gulf Coast University Team.

Three Hurricanes collected double-digit kill performances to help spark the University of Miami volleyball team to a season-opening victory over Florida Gulf Coast, 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-17) on Friday evening in first day action of the Hurricane Invitational at the James L. Knight Sports Complex in Coral Gables, Fla.

Friday's match was the season-opener for both teams, and the first-ever meeting between the in-state opponents.

Miami (1-0) used an aggressive offense in its season-opener, while freshman setter Nrithya Sundararaman (Naperville, Ill.) seemed to settle into her collegiate debut with ease. She set the offense with a match-high 34 assists as the Hurricanes pounded out 44 kills in the match.

With the opening set tied at 16, UM opened a two-point edge at 18-16 following back-to-back attack errors charged to FGCU (0-1). The Eagles quickly regrouped and tied the set at 18-all behind a kill from Anna Wagner and a service ace from Alexa Napolean.


UM charged to a 24-19 advantage as junior middle blocker Lici McGee (Warr Acres, Okla.) connected on three kills for the Hurricanes in a 6-1 run. The `Canes closed out the opening set with a kill from Lane Carico (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) in order to open the match with the 1-0 effort on a 25-20 score.

After seeing increased time at middle blocker last year, McGee collected five of her 10 kills on the night in the first set for the `Canes.

In the second set, Miami hit a .258 clip (13-5-31) as a team while holding their counterparts to a .088 hitting touch (10-7-34).

After Wagner's kill from the left side allowed the Eagles to step out in front, 11-10, Miami raced to a 7-2 run in order to move back in front, 17-13. Genny Mayhew (Clovis, Calif.) posted two kills and McGee another during the stretch.

Mayhew would collect two more kills, combining with sophomore Ali Becker (Katy, Texas) and Christine Williamson (Tampa, Fla.) each putting down a kill apiece, to take the second set, 25-17.

The final set was all Hurricanes as UM hammered down a .324 hitting percentage (17-5-37) driven by Carico's six kills, as well as five more coming from Mayhew - also a Preseason All-ACC selection.

Mayhew's kill in front of FGCU's Jacqueline Cowden pushed the Hurricanes lead to 7-2 as senior libero Cassie Loessberg (Sacramento, Calif.) helped UM push four points off serve.

Following a block from the Eagles' Ashley Yance, FGCU closed the gap to within 8-6.

However, that's as close as FGCU would get as strong attacks from Cowden and Jelena Simic were swallowed by the defensive efforts of Loessberg - a Preseason All-ACC Team member. Loessberg registered 22 digs in the match, increasing her school-record for 20-dig matches in a career out to 25.

For More information on this game and or the Miami Invitational Tournament Please Click Here

Be Sure to Visit the University of Miami link on our site often.

Sun Belt Conference: Season Preview

FIU and New Orleans top their respective divisions in the 2009 Sun Belt Conference Preseason Poll, while for the second-straight year FIU's Yarimar Rosa and Denver's Kacie Wikierak headline the Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Team, as voted on by the league's 13 head coaches.

FIU, garnering 72 points, including seven first-place nods, made only the program's second appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season, earning an at-large berth after clinching the East Division title outright for the first time in school history and capturing the top seed in the 2008 Sun Belt Conference Tournament. Coach of the Year Danijela Tomic's squad also set a FIU record for attendance and registered the program's longest winning streak (12 matches). The Golden Panthers will return six starters, among 10 letter winners, including four all-conference selections and a pair of 2009 Preseason picks in Rosa and Olga Vergun.

New Orleans, the runner-ups in last year's SBC tournament, received 87 points and 10 of 13 first-place votes to snap Denver's four-year reign of being selected as division winners. In claiming the top spot, the Privateer volleyball team earned their place in the record books, becoming the first UNO women's program in school history to ever be picked first in a SBC preseason poll.

Following FIU in the East Division is a pair of 2008 NCAA Tournament participants in Middle Tennessee and WKU, who earned 67 and 56 points, respectively. The Blue Raiders also picked up five first-place votes, while the Lady Toppers received one. FIU, along with Middle Tennessee and WKU, gave the Sun Belt Conference its first three-team appearance in league history in the NCAA Tournament.

Rounding out the East is South Alabama (33 points), Florida Atlantic (23 points) and Troy (22 points).

Denver captured 80 points and the three remaining first-place votes to claim the runner-up spot behind New Orleans in the West Division. The Pioneers are followed by UALR (57 points), Arkansas State (51 points), Louisiana (38 points), North Texas (36 points) and ULM (15 points).

Rosa, the 2008 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, led the nation in kills throughout the 2008 campaign, recording 657 kills for a 5.21 per set average, while adding 81 total blocks and 36 service aces. Rosa was named league Player of the Week five times last season - bringing her career total up to 10 citations - the most all-time in the history of the conference. During the final week of the regular season, she also garnered CVU.com National Player of the Week honors. The three-time All-American also set the FIU record for career kills and the record for most kills in a three-set match (26).

Wikierak, the 2007 Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year, played in all 113 sets for the Pioneers last year, while leading Denver and ranking fourth in the league with her 445 digs, for a 3.94 per game average. The Crystal Lake, Illinois native also registered 67 assists and 29 service aces. Moreover, Wikierak tops the DU record books with her career 4.62 digs per set average.

In addition to Rosa, seven other players were named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Volleyball team, including fellow Golden Panther Olga Vergun. Vergun, a two-time All-Conference selection, will return to the FIU line-up this season after missing 2008.

Middle Tennessee placed two on the squad in All-American Leslie Clark and All-Conference pick Izabela Kozon. Clark, the Blue Raiders' veteran setter, moved into first on the all-time career assists list after recording more than 1,500 assists last year. She has now amassed 4,354 and is just the second Blue Raider in history to reach the 4,000 mark in a career.

UALR's Anita Bucur, Arkansas State's Cayla Fielder and WKU's Aquila Orr rounded out the eight-player squad.

Bucur, a 2008 All-SBC second team selection, led the Trojans attack percentage (.345), while recording 364 kills, 90 digs and 61 total blocks.

Fielder, the 2008 SBC Freshman of the Year, led ASU during the regular season with 92 blocks and finished second on the team with 291 kills, averaging 2.60 per set. She finished the season fourth in the Sun Belt and 36th nationally with a hitting percentage of .356. Fielder was the nation's hitting percentage leader among freshman for much of the 2008 season.

Despite missing part of the 2008 campaign due to injury, Orr finished the season 261 kills, 31 blocks and a .264 hitting percentage. She was fourth on the WKU squad in kills and posted double-digit kills in 14 matches.

PRESEASON VOLLEYBALL POLL
EAST
1. FIU - 72 points (7 first-place votes)
2. Middle Tennessee - 67 points (5 first-place votes)
3. WKU - 56 points (1 first-place vote)
4. South Alabama - 33 points
5. Florida Atlantic - 23 points
6. Troy - 22 points

WEST
1. New Orleans - 87 points (10 first-place votes)
2. Denver - 80 points (3 first-place votes)
3. UALR - 57 points
4. Arkansas State - 51 points
5. Louisiana - 38 points
6. North Texas - 36 points
7. ULM - 15 points

PRESEASON ALL-SUN BELT CONFERENCE VOLLEYBALL TEAMAnita Bucur - UALR
Cayla Fielder - Arkansas State
Yarimar Rosa - FIU
Olga Vergun - FIU
Leslie Clark - Middle Tennessee
Izabela Kozon - Middle Tennessee
Lindsey Loyd - New Orleans
Aquila Orr - WKU
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year > Kacie Wikierak - Denver
Preseason Player of the Year > Yarimar Rosa - FIU

FIU kicks off its Season on Fri. Aug 28th vs. Western Carolina in Lexington, KY, followed by a Saturday match up vs. SEC Power Kentucky.

FAU kicks off their season in Orlando vs. North Florida on the 28th,then a tough match vs. Depaul later that day. Saturday puts FAU in a key match against University Of Central Florida (UCF).

DIV II: Sunshine State Conference Pre-season Poll

Several South Florida Volleyball teams shine brightly in the Sunshine State conference with the release of the Pre-Season Pole. At No. 3 Nova Southeastern University (who reached the Elite 8 in last years NCAA DIV II Tournament). At No. 5is the talented team from Lynn University and at No.7 is an up and coming Barry University team.

The University of Tampa has been chosen as the preseason favorite to win the 2009 Sunshine State Conference volleyball championship.

Winners of the past five league titles, the Spartans tallied 123 points and 12 first-place votes in a preseason poll conducted among the league’s volleyball coaches and sports information directors. Florida Southern, which placed second a year ago and shared the SSC crown with the Spartans in 2006, was predicted to finish second. The Moccasins earned 112 points and three first-place nods.

Nova Southeastern, a team which had a tremendous postseason run all the way to the 2008 NCAA Championship quarterfinals, was tabbed third, garnering 94 points and a first-place vote. Saint Leo was right on the Sharks’ heels, tallying 91 points with two first-place votes.

Only six points separated fifth-place Lynn and sixth-place Eckerd in the poll. The Fighting Knights accumulated 68 points, while the Tritons picked up 62.

Barry, Florida Tech, and Rollins rounded out the poll. Barry was tabbed seventh with 44 points. Florida Tech received 37 points to assume the eighth slot, and Rollins picked up 17 points.

Nova Southeastern: The defending NCAA Division II South Regional Champion Sharks will be looking to top one of the best seasons in program history. Head coach Steve Wilcosky will return 4 starters including Valia Petrova (Sr., Sofia, Bulgaria) who was an AVCA Second-Team All-American and an All-SSC First-Team honoree. The season is set to begin on Aug. 28-29 when the Sharks travel to Canyon, Texas for the 2009 Lady Bluff Classic. The Sharks will open the tournament and the season against West Texas A&M at 11 am.

Lynn University: Most wins in program history? Check. Multiple All-Americans? Check. Consecutive appearances in the NCAA postseason tournament? Check. Two top-three finishes in the Sunshine State Conference in the past three seasons? Check. As the Lynn University volleyball team continues to check off milestones and accolades under the helm of fourth-year head coach Lynze Roos, the Fighting Knights now look to take the next step as a key player on the national stage. Returning four starters from their record-setting 2008 campaign, the Blue and White have reloaded with talent and depth as they challenge for their first SSC crown and NCAA South Region championship.

Barry University: Head Coach Fredrico Santos enters his second season with the Buccaneers and has the team on the rise. The team is led by Setter Libby Walter who landed on the SSC All-Freshman team, amassing 846 assists, the sixth highest in the conference and she was also second on the team in aces with 27. Middle hitters, senior Samara Ferreira and junior Stefanie Sveiven, also return. The duo combined for 243 kills and 153 blocks.


2009 SUNSHINE STATE CONFERENCE PRESEASON VOLLEYBALL POLL
Rank – School, Points (1st Place Votes)
1 – Tampa, 123 (12)
2 – Florida Southern, 112 (3)
3 – Nova Southeastern, 94 (1)
4 – Saint Leo, 91 (2)
5 – Lynn, 68
6 – Eckerd, 62
7 – Barry, 44
8 – Florida Tech, 37
9 – Rollins, 17

University of Miami Volleyball: Season Preview

Coral Gables, Fla. - Coming off the second-best season in school Division I history and the best Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) record in school history, this year's University of Miami volleyball team has a reservoir of optimism that can be felt around the entire program. Four starters including the libero are back, and that gives the UM coaching staff a reason to think this could be a year towards a charge for the ACC title.

Last season, the Hurricanes opened the year with a 13-0 record that included three in-season tournament championships in San Marcos, Texas, San Francisco and at home in Coral Gables. The 26-6 record (14-6 ACC) was just short of an NCAA Tournament appearance, but was good enough for a share of third place in the final ACC standings. With the addition of two highly-touted freshmen, head coach Nicole Lantagne Welch enters her ninth season in Coral Gables with what many seem to believe can rival as one of her best teams ever.

"With a lot of people coming back, I feel the attitude of our returnees is one of confidence, yet really having something to prove," states Lantagne Welch, the reigning ACC and AVCA East Region Coach of the Year. "They want to accomplish a lot of great things.

For the Complete Breakdown of the team by position please Click Here for The Complete Article.

Note: UM Volleyball kicks off the season with the Hurricane Invitational this coming Friday vs. Florida Gulf Coast University @ 6:00P.M.

Attention Players and Coaches: Stay Positive and Win the Match

I came across the following article and thought it might be helpful for coaches and players alike. As the 2009 High-School Season approaches several coaches and players will be faced with adverse situations and it depends on how quickly a player adjusts and composes herself could be the difference between a win or a loss.

After winning the first set, your team has dropped the last
two in a row. Their backs are against the wall and they
are playing back on their heels. Chins are dragging on the
floor ...and the bench is quiet.

It's driving you crazy!

How do you spark that volleyball FIRE in your players even
though they're behind the eight ball? Scream? Yell? Stomp
your feet? No way!

Remind your players that they have NO chance of winning if
they already count themselves out. They've already won
the one game, and they only have to win another to get back
in the match.

All of a sudden it doesn't sound so bad does it.

When your players are losing, they focus far too much on
the serve they hit into the net - or the easy dig they missed
because they were out of position.

It's a proven fact that the more a player dwells on the negative
aspects of a game, the more likely they are to repeat those
mistakes...

It's planted in their mind - now you have to uproot it!

SO - How can you "uproot" those negative thoughts in your
players?

Emphasize that run of six points the team had to make the
third set close; remind them of the amazing stuffs they
made on the opposing team's top power. In essence emphasize the good that your team has done.

...ANYTHING to get your players smiling, laughing and now
motivated towards the positive things that they have done.

And most importantly: FOCUS on winning one point at a time.

Too many players will be so focused on the end result that it
affects their big hits, digs and jump serves along the way. Get
them back to doing things right.

Your players don't have to be superstars and make amazing
plays (although it does help). All they need to do is
execute their passes, get the sets above the net, and
hammer the hit down the opponent's court.

The tide of a game can change in your favor, or it can come
crashing down on your head. Remove the doubt from your
player's minds and they will come out fighting for a win!

Special Thanks to Hayley of Volleyball Magic for her insight.
If you like to get more information from her - Check it out here:

FBVT State Championships - August 22-23 on Ft. Lauderdale Beach

Fort Lauderdale Beach will host the 2009 FBVT State Championships. The 2009 season is coming to a close and now is your chance to shine. On the line this week is bragging rights for an entire year on the beach. This is your chance to be a state champion. Fort Lauderdale is always the largest draw on the east coast and with the state title on the line everyone is sure to bring their best. Be sure and register early to reserve your spot!

Along with bragging rights we will also have great prizes for all divisions!

This week will also be giving out two Gotcha surfboards to the points champions in the Junior divisions. So Juniors make sure you make the best of this last event, and earn every point possible to increase your chance of winning a Gotcha surfboard along with some great prizes.


Attention Juniors!!!
This week will also be giving out two Gotcha surfboards to the points champions in the Junior divisions. So Juniors make sure you make the best of this last event, and earn every point possible to increase your chance of winning a Gotcha surfboard along with some great prizes.


Divisions:
Saturday: Mens and Womens Open, AAA, AA, A, BB, B
Sunday: Juniors and Co-ed AA, A, B
Pre-Registration closes 12 p.m. Friday
Check-in time is 7:30 am - 8:00 am. Saturday and Sunday


To Register or for Greater Info - Click Here

How to Deal with The Swine Flu Virus as the New School Year Approaches - PART 2 OF 2

What can we do until late October early November when the vaccine is ready to make sure that we and our kids do not contract the Swine Flu Virus.

Click Here to visit the CDC's page on the Swine Flu

I've researched this topic extensively over the weekend and during this week and have compiled a list of 10 Things to do to help you with Swine Flu Prevention. If you are a Parent or a Coach, I highly suggest you go over preventative measures with your kids and or players.

1) Be Vigilant of Surfaces - Be aware of public surfaces that you touch - and do not touch your face until you've had a chance to wash your hands. In School: Be vigilant of door knobs, shaking hands, hello kisses (on the cheeks), etc.
2) Wash your Hands - and wash them often in warm water when possible.
3) Get Enough Sleep - Get at least 8 hours of good rest each night to keep your immune system in top Flu-Fighting shape.
4) Keep Hydrated - Drink 8-10 Glasses of Water each day to flush toxins from your system.
5) Eat Immune Boosting Foods - whole grains, vegetables and vitamin rich fruits.
6) Avoid Alcoholic Beverages - to keep your immune system strong.
7) Keep Physically Active - Mild to moderate exercises will also help to keep your immune system strong.
8) Avoid Sick People - Normally if a friend has a runny nose it's not a big deal - but with the Swine Flu predicted to make a comeback this fall, you should politely avoid sick people.
9) Don't Share- Drinks, Ice Creams, things that have touched another person's mouth, nose or hands.
10) Know when to get Help - If you feel Flu Like symptoms especially with a soar throat and coughing see your Doctor ASAP.

Hopefully this information is helpful and everyone is well during this school year.

P.S. - Can't wait till High-School and Universities start playing.

How to Deal with The Swine Flu Virus as the New School Year Approaches - PART 1 OF 2

A Close Volleyball friend recently advised me that her daughter contracted the swine flu virus. She is much better now but was advised by her Doctor that she must stay away from sports until October or risk going to the hospital if a stronger relapse occurs. This parent suggested that I do a piece to inform our volleyball community about the possible dangers lurking with the swine flu as this school year approaches. This topics has several issues to think about.

First and foremost the safety of all South Florida kids:

During my research of this topic I came across a Miami Herald article, dated August 5th, 2009:

South Florida schools say they're ready to carry out the new swine-flu-fighting recommendations issued Friday by federal health officials, including using school health clinics to give vaccinations by mid-October and allowing sick kids to return to school 24 hours after their fever has passed.

Federal health officials say the H1N1 flu continues to spread during warm summer weather, and is likely to spread even faster when schools open in the fall. But they recommended against closing schools, even with small numbers of swine flu cases, unless so many students or teachers are sick that they cannot function.

Schools open Aug. 24 in Miami-Dade and Broward.

For the Full Miami Herald Article Click Here.

Secondly it will be interesting to see how High School Coaches, Players and Parents will deal with the virus if it contracted by a player.

The young lady mentioned above is a very good player - playing for a very good program. If she is not able to return until October the season will practically be over. I know that for many competitive players and parents that could be a great dilemma. Obviously it is a decision that anyone who faces such a scenario must make on their own.

For me and the above family their is no dilemma - Shut the Kid Down until you get the Doctors O.K. One's life and health is paramount. Make sure you are in constant contact with the coach and have his or her support. If the kid is an elite player in her senior year then plan on putting her in a travel team during club season where most players get exposure to Colleges and Universities.

When will the Vaccine be Ready?

Florida's surgeon general says the state is preparing for massive swine flu immunizations, starting with schoolchildren, as the Obama administration urges states to prepare for the likelihood that the virus might worsen in the fall.

''We want to make sure we aren't promoting panic, but we are promoting vigilance and preparation,'' Obama said.

Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of Health and Human Services, told the swine flu summit some H1N1 vaccine should be ready by mid-October.

Speaking with a Paramedic Friend it seems that first Responders will receive the vaccines first then children. November look like a realistic time to have a vaccine ready.

Part 2 will cover What precautions to take to help prevent the virus from infecting your child.

Make plans to attend the Youth Camp at Lynn University

Coach Lynze Rooze is hosting a great and economical event for younger players (8-14) this coming Friday @ Lynn University. Be sure to call ahead to reserve your spot.

To see the attached image larger just click on it.

YOU ARE NOW FREE TO POST ON THE FLORIDA VOLLEYBALL FORUM

Hey South Florida, You are now free to share your ideas and thoughts on Florida's Volleyball Forum.

The Florida Volleyball Forum is administered by Mr. Dave Crowder a person that shares a true passion for the sport of Volleyball. For many years his forum focused mainly on Boys/Men's Volleyball and mostly in and around Central Florida.

When I approached him about having South Florida Volleyball players, coaches, fans, parents join the discussions on his forums he was thrilled. As you very well know - the Volleyball Report focuses more on Girls and Ladies Volleyball. Dave advised me that in turn he will have more information on Girls and Ladies Volleyball and include more South Florida related topics. I'm sure we can do our part!

Together we can make the Florida Volleyball Forum one of the most read and most posted in the country, which in turn makes Volleyball in Florida more important.

Posting and Answering Topics is Easy and Fun:

1) Click on the FORUM Logo on the Side Bar
2) Register - Become a Member (Dave advised me he doesn't spam members)
3) Under User name create a new name - I will go under SFVR.
4) Read Several Post and if you want to add your two cents scroll to the bottom click reply and type away.
5) If you want to Start a Topic Click on NEW Thread on the right hand side and your off to the races.

In a short time I will direct several University Coaches from around Florida and our Great Nation to the Forum and soon all will be involved in our forum staying in tune with what is going on in Florida. They will want to know about all the dynamic boys and girls competing in Volleyball to offer scholarships - it's up to all of us to let them know what's going on.