Aug. 26, 2008

The 2007 team played in the 6-2 system most of the year, giving Somera the chance to use both senior Petra Lorenzi and sophomore Jordan Bradosky as the offensive “quarterback.” Both return for this season, but they will be pushed by the addition of two-time second-team All-BIG EAST setter Bridget Denson-Dorman.

Lorenzi has seen time in each of the past three seasons, primarily as a back-row setter. She could once again fill that role, after averaging 6.10 assists per game last season. Lorenzi had a good spring season until she sustained a shoulder injury, but she should be ready to go at the start of the season.

Bradosky started one less match than her senior counterpart in 2007, but she led the way with a 6.38 assist-per-game average while also making 2.23 digs per game, third-best among non-defensive specialists. Bradosky also was dangerous with her serves, ranking second on the team with 29 aces on the season. She had a strong spring and hopes to keep a spot in the rotation.

“Jordan had a very good freshman season,” said Somera. “She was a good server and setter for us. She didn’t play a whole lot of front row (last year), and that’s just what we need her to do.”

Battling the two incumbents will be Denson-Dorman. The Golden Valley, Minn., native led the Huskies with 12.59 assists per game in her two season and could add a lot to Carolina’s rotation. While not an outstanding blocker, she has been a strong defender (2.70 digs per game) and server (0.36 aces per game) in a very competitive conference. Denson-Dorman may also bring a little more offensive threat if used on the front row, as she has averaged 0.73 kills per game for her career.

“Bridget has been a good setter from day one in college,” Somera said. “She is going to be competing for some time. Bridget gives us an opportunity to run a different system, because she’s a little bit bigger than the setters we have. I think she’ll be a great addition to our team.”