The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Volleyball Preview: Setters
8/21/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 21, 2008
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB volleyball team opens its 2008 season Friday, Aug. 29 at the Florida Gators Invitational. With preseason practice winding down, uabsports.com provides an in-depth look at the volleyball program as it prepares for its opening weekend.
"I'm really pleased with the way we've practiced," UAB third-year head coach Kerry Messersmith said. "The biggest difference between this year and my previous two years is that our practices are a lot more competitive. We're so much deeper at each position, and that just leads to more competition."
For each of the next five week days, uabsports.com will feature a position-by-positon breakdown of the 2008 volleyball squad. Today, we start our preview with a look at the setter position.
Thursday, Aug. 21 -- Setters
Friday, Aug. 22 -- Outside Hitters
Monday, Aug. 25 -- Middle Blockers
Tuesday, Aug. 26 -- Opposite Hitters
Wednesday, Aug. 27 -- Liberos
SETTERS
As a senior entering her third season as a starter, Nevena Stefanov brings stability to the setter position for UAB. The Serbia native ranks third on the Blazers' all-time assists list with 4,327 in her career. Despite missing five matches in 2007 with an injury, Stefanov still managed 1,376 assists on her way to All-Conference USA First Team honors. Head coach Kerry Messersmith, however, said Stefanov has looked even better in preseason practice.
"Nevena came back from the summer in incredible physical shape," Messersmith said. "She's much quicker, and she has always had a tremendous attitude. She really came back ready to go."
Playing behind Stefanov, freshman MacKenzie Wilson will look to make an impact in her first year with the program. Wilson comes to UAB following a highly successful prep career at Grissom High School in Huntsville, Ala. A two-time All-State selection and two-time state finalist, she was honored in 2007 as the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Alabama.
"MacKenzie has shown great promise in her first few weeks here," Messersmith said. "She's is a go-getter, and she is an exciting, dynamic player to watch. Her future is extremely bright here at UAB."
In addition to Stefanov and Wilson, the Blazers could use senior Lilly Domingos at the setter position. Typically a middle blocker, the Brazil native could see time at setter, as well. Domingos, the 2007 Conference USA Newcomer of the Year after transferring from Cowley (Kan.) College, returns as one of UAB's top offensive and defensive threats.
The Blazers also welcome the return of setter and outside hitter Aley Tallman in 2008, though she is not eligible to play this season because of NCAA transfer rules. Tallman, a Kansas native, played at UAB as a freshman in 2006, averaging 1.79 kills and 1.12 digs per game in 42 games played. As a sophomore, she transferred to Nova Southeastern in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., where she played one season before opting to return to UAB in the spring.
UAB returns 10 letterwinners and welcomes six newcomers to the program in 2008. Check back tomorrow for a look at the Blazers' outside hitters.
