The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
2010 UAB Volleyball Preview: Defensive Specialist, Setter
8/24/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 24, 2010
This is the second segment of a three-part series previewing the 2010 UAB volleyball team. After looking at the middle blockers and right side hitters yesterday, today's segment features the defensive specialists and setters. Check back Wednesday for a preview of the outside hitters.
UAB is continuing preparations for its season opener. The Blazers will play Friday at 4:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. CT) against Alabama A&M at the Georgia Tech Courtyard Marriott Classic in Atlanta, Ga.
Defensive Specialists
UAB promises to once again be one of the top blocking teams in Conference USA in 2010. If the ball does get past the block, however, UAB junior libero Heather Thomas will be there to clean it up.
Thomas is coming off one of the best defensive seasons in program history, falling just six digs shy of the single-season school record with 586. Her 36 digs last year against Southern Miss tied for the highest individual match total all season in C-USA.
"Heather has come back in great shape and really has had a great preseason," UAB head coach Kerry Messersmith said. "We're looking to her, obviously, to be our primary passer as well as our best defensive player, although it'll be a little bit different this year because she'll have more help in the back row."
More help from a strong group of outside hitters who are capable of being six-rotation players and solid back-row options.
And more help from a players like freshman Daniela Cavallo, who will see action as a defensive specialist. The product of West Forsyth High School in Georgia has already showcased her ability in fall practice.
"Dani has been a huge surprise to everybody," Messersmith said. "She can definitely hold her own defensively. We were really lucky to pick her up, and she'll be a great addition to our program."
Rachel Fairbanks, another freshman, could also see work as a defensive specialist but will compete for time at the outside hitter position, as well.
Setters
Setter Alison Woods proved she is capable of running a 5-1 offense last year when she did it for nearly every match as a true freshman.
The addition of freshman setter Becca Howard, however, gives the Blazers the option to run a 6-2 offense, as well.
"They're very similar setters, which I think is really going to help us," Messersmith said. "We could run either a 5-1 or a 6-2."
Woods averaged 9.94 assists per set last year in her rookie campaign. She ran a balanced offense that featured five Blazers averaging at least two kills per frame. She also managed 10 double-doubles on the year.
"Alison is a lot stronger physically than she was last year and has a year under her belt as far as knowledge of the game and playing at this level," Messersmith said. "She's doing an outstanding job for us right now."
Howard has led winning teams at every level she has played. A product of Tampa, Fla., she guided Plant High School to back-to-back state championships in her final two years. She was an Under Armour All-American in 2009 and a finalist for the Andi Collins award, given to the top setter in the country.
"Becca is a winner," Messersmith said. "She comes from an exceptional high school program and a very strong club program, so she definitely brings that to the table. She's a very smart player who knows the game well. She's very precise in where she puts the ball."
