PRAIRIE VIEW, TEXAS – The PVAMU volleyball team kicked off training camp this week with one goal in mind and that’s making it to the NCAA tournament and winning the program’s fourth SWAC title.
The Lady Panthers fell one game short of making the SWAC final last year. PVAMU won SWAC titles and appeared in the NCAA tournament in 1999 and 2006 under head coach Alicia Pete’s direction and the 2006 Coach of the Year has put together a stellar roster. Pete is bringing in six newcomers that include four freshmen and two junior college transfers.
“These incoming players should contribute leadership and skill to an already accomplished returning squad,” noted Pete.
MIDDLE BLOCKERS
The Lady Panthers have added two transfers. Maegan Coleman and Jasmine Houston come to the program from Tyler Junior College. The two players stand tall at 6-1 and look to contribute from the start with their imposing stature, power and dominance at the net. The returning players and coaches all feel that these new additions to the Lady Panther roster will have the team competing at a championship level.
OUTSIDE HITTERS
Leading the way will be Cheri Lindsay, who was named to the 2009 SWAC West Division Team. Lindsay is an explosive outside hitter. She led the SWAC with 442 kills and 3.30 per game and racked up a total of 61 kills, 30 digs, and six blocks during SWAC tournament play. “Individual goals are nice but my mind is set on getting back to the top and winning is the only necessity for this team,” said Lindsay. Lindsay has been a cornerstone of the program since arriving her sophomore year. Pete added, “I’m expecting a lot of leadership from Cheri Lindsay as an experienced player who has the ability to step up and lead others.”
DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST AND LIBERO
Senior transfer Jasmine Hale (Alcorn State) was a major addition to the team last year stepping into the starting position. Hale garnered SWAC Defensive Player of the Week honors multiple times last year and is poised to add many more this season as well.
“This is by far the deepest position on the team,” said Pete.
SETTERS
Senior Erin Fondel’s goals are nothing short of winning a SWAC championship as she enters her final season on the hardwood. Coach Pete says, “We’re looking to her to lead the team and bring guidance to the younger players.” Fondel will be the quarterback of the offense and ranked third in the SWAC in assists with 1089 and 8.44 per game. “I look forward to taking on a leadership role and there is only one major goal in sight and that is winning,” said Fondel. “Every other accomplishment is nice but winning the SWAC and getting a ring my final year is all that I am thinking about.”
The Lady Panthers should have a great season with a mind-set that is strictly business for the 2010 campaign. “Business women taking care of business both on and off the court” is the motto the 11th year head coach uses to describe this year’s edition of the Lady Panthers. They begin the season at the Sam Houston State Tournament August 27-28 in Huntsville, TX and have their home/conference opener September 2 against UAPB at 6 pm in the William Nicks Arena
