Aug. 26, 2008

Senior Dinelia Concepcion and junior Sarah Cline combined to play every game at libero in 2007 and could once again share some time in the wrong-colored jersey this season. The duo played well during different periods of the year, and the staff hopes both step up and play at a high level consistently throughout the season.

Concepcion ranked second on the squad with a 3.34 digs-per-game average last season, while she was stronger during the early part of the season. The senior needs around 200 digs to find her way into Carolina’s top-10 all-time in the category.

A year younger, Cline drew a majority of the libero starts toward the end of the year. She finished ninth in the SEC with a 3.76 digs-per-game average and set a new school record with 36 digs in the five-game victory over Arkansas. Cline worked extra with the staff last season to improve, and it showed during the end of the season, as she helped the squad to three wins in their final five matches, including two over NCAA Tournament teams.

Lawing could push the duo for time in the backcourt if she is unable to land a spot in the rotation.

“Sarah did a great job at the end of the year for us,” commented Somera. “Dinelia did great job at the beginning of the year. Libero was really our deepest position. Both of those players played a pretty high level, and I think we got good play out of both of them because there was so much competition in the gym every week. The good thing for us is that we have a competitive situation at every position now, and, as a coach, that is what you want to see.”