Volleyball tryouts held to fill vacancies

The 2006 Dustdevil volleyball season was a success with a final record of 24-5. However, the Dustdevils graduated five of their players and have only four players returning for the next season.

With a short-stacked team, Head Coach Wendy McManus, is searching for new athletes. She hosted try outs on Feb. 10 and was able to gather 10 players eager to play for the volleyball team.

Expectations are high for future athletes due to the loss of star players such as setter Desiree Arredondo, outside hitter Juliana Gusmao, middle blocker Eliza Cesario, defensive specialist Sarah Jenkins, and right side hitter Mary Kock.

"The tryouts turned out to be more than I expected; the amount of players that showed up were more than I expected and their level of play was very promising," said McManus.

During try-outs the girls were faced with different types of drills that tested their athleticism and skill, such as sprints, vertical measurement, butterfly, passers vs. servers, queen of the court, and scrimmages.

Will the girls at the try-outs become part of the team?

"We are looking for six girls in different positions; there are many openings to be filled," McManus said. "There were stand-outs at the try-outs, but I can't mention any names due to NCAA policies."

Though the 2006 season will be difficult to match up to, McManus said, "It will be a completely different team in the 2007 season, but the system will remain the same and the new athletes will have to adjust."

Adjusting is something Arredondo will have to do in the 2007 season because she is transitioning from being the team's setter to an assistant coach.

"As an athlete first, I believe the transition will be difficult to handle because I have to become accustomed to watching from the sidelines instead of being part of the game."

As a future assistant coach and with the knowledge of the game, Arredondo believes that new recruits for next season should have specific qualities.

"They should be talented, vocal, leaders, and have something that our system can work and mold," she said.

McManus believes that "the loss of players is part of the game, but looks forward to working with great, new athletes during the 2007 volleyball season."