Volleyball looks to better last year's mark -- Tuesday Cardinal Couple

EXPERIENCE, DEPTH BOLSTER VOLLEYBALL CARDS 2015 CAMPAIGN

Tuesday is traditionally the day where our "steamed" colleague Jeff McAdams takes to the keyboards and gives us a weekly article. I got a text from him last night, though...asking me to cover Tuesday's column because he was experiencing internet connectivity issues.

Mind you, this is the man who carries a minimum of 19 electronic devices with him at all times and even has his bicycle connected to Twitter. We're pretty sure the dog ate his homework as well...

But, in keeping with Worldwide tradition, let's do the Tuesday column about his favorite UofL women's sport...curling.

(OK, it's actually volleyball)

The 2014 Wide Net Cards went through a learning experience in their first ACC season...a 7-11 conference record and losing to seven out of their last eight opponents.

A 15-15 overall record kept them out of the NCAA Tournament but the season was a reality check on where the squad was after going 18-0 in AAC conference matches in 2013. 

Back for Anne Kordes is Katie George...the senior setter has 1124 of them in 2014 and seemingly ran from The Troll Pub to River Road to track down passes. Improving first hit capabilities was the main off-season priority for this returning job and all report tell us that it's gotten a lot better. That probably won't bother George in the least.

The top the "kill artists" for Louisville return also in Maya McClendon, Janelle Jenkins and Tess Clark. Outside hitting will also get a huge boost from transfer Erin Fairs...who won virtually every award available in the state of Florida last year at USF.  Clark will have plenty of backup at middle blocker with freshman Jasmine Bennett and sophomore Maggie DeJong.

Freshman Molly Sauer is one of three liberos listed on the roster and the Cards are getting a good one in the Louisville Assumption superstar. 



The Louisville native and USA Today All-USA High School Preseason 1st team selection joins the Cardinals after a successful prep career at Assumption High School. Under head coach Ron Kordes, Sauer helped her team to two KHSAA State Championships, as well as two regional championships and three district championships. The libero was a member of the KVCA First-Team All-State (AAA) in 2014 and the KHSAA All-Region Team in 2013. Additionally, she was named as PrepVolleyball's No. 25 Senior Ace.

Returning players from last year also include Gabbie Wiley at defensive setter, Roxanne McVey, Eleni Georgiafandis and Lyndsay Palmer. Kali Eakin transfers in after one year at Kansas State and Morgan Miller plus Aniah Philo are other incoming freshmen and sophomore Ashley Pettibone fills out the Cardinal roster. 

Can the Cards achieve a .500 or better record in one of the tougher volleyball conferences in D1? Can they climb to a over .500 record for the season. Can they avenge the loss to UK in the KFC YUM! Center from last year? 

We'll start getting answers on Aug. 28th. when the season begins with the Cards at Illinois and we're sure that Worldwide will give us a much more in-depth and comprehensive preview as the season draws nearer.   

paulie
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