North Carolina State University Athletics
Energy, Athleticism Abound in Volleyball Scrimmage
8/17/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
RALEIGH, N.C. Featuring eight returning letterwinners and 10 anticipated freshmen, the 2007 NC State volleyball team made its first appearance at the annual Red & White scrimmage on Friday, Aug. 17, at Reynolds Coliseum on campus. While tinkering with different rotations and a carousel of personnel combinations, the Pack showed a staggering amount of athleticism, as well as energy and enthusiasm throughout play.
The roster was split into two groups, with the Red Team taking three of the four games. The squads, however, were not totally set in stone, as several players rotated between teams.
“I am very pleased with what we saw today in our scrimmage,” said second-year head coach Charita J. Stubbs. “I was impressed with our energy and enthusiasm. Several of our returning players are stepping up, and the freshmen compliment what we are trying to do.”
Chrissy Zirpolo and Lauren Zaniboni led the offense with 11 kills each, while Amber Spolarich added 10. Allison Davis’ 27 assists were tops on the team.
The freshmen class made a noticeable impact on the court. Alex Smith, in particular, showed crisp setting and speed.
Although she pinpointed positives up and down her entire roster, Stubbs was particularly impressed with the play of Ashley Wallace and Keri DeMar.
“I think that Ashley is coming into her own,” said Stubbs. “She looks comfortable on the floor, and with her being a senior; we are going to need that from her. Keri did a great job of picking her spots and coming up big when given the opportunity to do so.”
While State did several things well, Stubbs is eager to work on improving several areas, including passing and blocking. As was the case a season ago, serving problems remain an issue as both teams tallied 26 service errors on the evening.
“We need to do a better job of picking our spots and getting our middles more involved,” said Stubbs. “Our serving has to improve.”
State will crack open the season next weekend at the North Carolina Central Tournament in Durham, N.C., Aug. 24-25. The Pack will compete in four matches across the two-day field.
The roster was split into two groups, with the Red Team taking three of the four games. The squads, however, were not totally set in stone, as several players rotated between teams.
“I am very pleased with what we saw today in our scrimmage,” said second-year head coach Charita J. Stubbs. “I was impressed with our energy and enthusiasm. Several of our returning players are stepping up, and the freshmen compliment what we are trying to do.”
Chrissy Zirpolo and Lauren Zaniboni led the offense with 11 kills each, while Amber Spolarich added 10. Allison Davis’ 27 assists were tops on the team.
The freshmen class made a noticeable impact on the court. Alex Smith, in particular, showed crisp setting and speed.
Although she pinpointed positives up and down her entire roster, Stubbs was particularly impressed with the play of Ashley Wallace and Keri DeMar.
“I think that Ashley is coming into her own,” said Stubbs. “She looks comfortable on the floor, and with her being a senior; we are going to need that from her. Keri did a great job of picking her spots and coming up big when given the opportunity to do so.”
While State did several things well, Stubbs is eager to work on improving several areas, including passing and blocking. As was the case a season ago, serving problems remain an issue as both teams tallied 26 service errors on the evening.
“We need to do a better job of picking our spots and getting our middles more involved,” said Stubbs. “Our serving has to improve.”
State will crack open the season next weekend at the North Carolina Central Tournament in Durham, N.C., Aug. 24-25. The Pack will compete in four matches across the two-day field.
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