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Aug. 25, 2008

The only position to lose a starter from a year ago, the outside hitters still return with a lot of depth that saw extensive playing time in 2007. The four returners drew 69 starts in 2007, and two juniors should get a lot of the playing time. Two sophomores could share time at the final spot.

The group is led by junior Ivana Kujundzic, who started all 29 matches on the post last year after working as a middle blocker as a freshman. The Subotica, Serbia, native was the Gamecocks’ top hitter last season, averaging 3.32 kills per game while taking over 250 swings more than the second-highest. Kujundzic also was very good on defense, digging 2.37 balls a game. With another offseason to gain experience on the outside, Kujundzic could really blossom in 2008.

“With Ivana, we had no idea going into the season how effective she would be,” said Somera. “But she just really took to it. Luckily for us, Ivana just likes to get the ball a lot, so she got the ball a lot more often. I think that is a role she enjoys.”

Another junior returning is Meredith Moorhead. A true right side hitter, Moorhead ranked fourth on the squad with 2.31 kills per game. She hit .258 on the campaign, the highest among this group. Moorhead missed some time last season with an ankle injury that flared up at times during summer workouts, but the Charlotte, N.C., product should be able to work through that and contribute once again.

The other returning starter in this group is sophomore Hannah Lawing. She made strides in the offseason to becoming a more complete player, as her defensive prowess kept her on the court. Carolina’s top non-libero defender, Lawing averaged 2.93 digs per game and really helped the Garnet’s passing. Lawing worked hard during the spring and should once again find her way into the starting mix.

“It’s always nice having a player like Hannah back there is such a good passer that such good defensive instincts. She always has good ball control.”

The Gamecocks’ top player in the spring, however, was sophomore Annie Thomas. After missing the majority of her freshman year with a shoulder injury, Thomas played great in the spring season and could work her way into a good amount of playing time on the outside. During her limited time last season, she averaged 2.00 kills per game. That figure could jump depending on how much playing time she sees.

“Annie had a little bit of playing time last year,” Somera commented, “but the shoulder injury just wasn’t going to allow her to play the full season. She looked great in the spring and was probably one of our most efficient players. I really look forward to having her back as one of the most viable hitters on the outside for us.”

Two freshmen also contribute some depth on the outside. Olivia Ryder was one of the Detroit Free-Press’ “Five Players to Watch” last year before a knee injury ended her high school career prematurely. Coming off of surgery, the staff hopes to ease Ryder into action, possibly even utilizing a redshirt this year if possible. Lindsey Roy is a walk-on from Cincinnati and will try to fight her way into the rotation this year. The Gamecocks could also move Megan Laughlin or Tory Anderson to the outside if pressed to by other developments.