March 24, 2006

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The second week of spring practice for the South Carolina volleyball team came to a close Friday at the Volleyball Competition Facility in Columbia, S.C. The Gamecocks have one more week of practice before competing in their first tournament.

“We’re looking good,” head coach Nancy Somera said. “I made a comment the other day to someone that we look good, but we haven’t played a match yet where we aren’t used to what the other team is doing.

“I like our talk, our energy and our ball movement. Our defense is definitely improved. As much as our ball control has improved, it still needs to get better to meet my expectations. But, we’re closer than we were in the fall. It will be good to see where we’re at next weekend when we compete in Charlotte.”

South Carolina’s first weekend of competition takes place Saturday, April 1, in Charlotte, N.C., in a tournament hosted by the Charlotte 49ers. The North Carolina Tar Heels, who finished 23-10 last year and won the Atlantic Coast Conference with an 18-4 mark, will be among the teams competing in addition to USC and the host 49ers.

USC’s new assistant coach Damian Elder, who works primarily with the Gamecock setters, took some time to share his thoughts on the squad’s two setters (Iris Santos and Petra Lorenzi) after working with them the past two weeks.

“Petra and Iris have been working hard to improve their rhythm with the hitters, and I’ve seen a huge improvement in their interactive skills with the team,” Elder said. “I want them to be emotionally engaged with the team and consistent with their feedback to the team.

“Individually, Petra been working on her technique with her hands, and Iris is trying to improve her footwork.

“Overall, I’m impressed with their work ethic, and they’re making big strides toward being leaders for our team.”