Aug. 21, 2010

by Koby Padgett
Assistant Media Relations Director

COLUMBIA, S.C. – For the fourth and final time prior to the start of the 2010 season, the Gamecock volleyball team scrimmaged at the Volleyball Competition Facility.

The Gamecocks went five sets, three full and two shortened, during the two-hour workout. Senior Hannah Lawing stood out on the stat sheet, posting a scrimmage-best 22 digs. Sophomore setter Taylor Bruns was opportunistic with her chances, once again not making an error in 15 attack attempts, while she also had 39 assists and 11 digs. On the other side, freshmen defensive specialists Lindsey Craft and Paige Wheeler made things difficult for the attackers, as the duo dug 13 and 10 attacks, respectively.

Head coach Ben Somera worked with many different lineups and combinations, trying to see what pieces fit where on his squad that includes nine freshmen. One part had freshman Frankie Vain and junior Teresa Stenlund working as the middles, with both finding some success. Vain had no attacking errors in eight attempts, while Stenlund added seven kills on the afternoon.

“We’re digging a lot of balls,” said Somera after the scrimmage. “There’s a few more balls we can put in good rhythm to make our transition offense flow a little bit better so we can distribute in system to all our hitters.

“Everybody at this time of year wants a few more practices, and that’s exactly what we have before we go play. We have identified where we need to get better. We’ll just make a plan about getting better at a few things each week.”

The Gamecocks begin the 2010 season next Friday, Aug. 27, against Middle Tennessee State in the State Farm Illini Classic in Champaign, Ill. First serve is set for 4:30 p.m. CDT at Huff Hall at the University of Illinois.