Veteran Cowgirls Have High Expectations

Hardin-Simmons' volleyball team came a point away from defending its American Southwest Conference title a year ago. It is that one point that may have fueled the Cowgirls to higher heights for the 2008.

"It has been fuel since November," said second-year head coach Sabrina Bingham. "They talk about it all the time and it something that burns in them. They have relayed very quickly what our goals are to the new players. They have worked harder in the offseason because of that loss and I think it has made us better."

The Cowgirls return five regulars, including three starters and the libero as well as nine lettermen from a 22-9 squad in 2007. The Cowgirls rolled through the ASC West with a 16-2 mark and tied for the ASC West crown.

"They came back ready," said Bingham. "They worked really hard over the summer and came back stronger and faster and that has allowed us to move faster so far. You could tell a lot of them had not only been lifting and running, but also working in the gym over the summer."

The strength of the Cowgirls comes in two factors - its offensive attack and experience.

"Our offense is the strength of our team," said Bingham. "We are going to be even better as far as placement of the team. Having players that have been there before also helps with that."  

HSU will rely on its two big middles in Kaela Parnell and Cambra Hughes. Both hit over .320 last season. Parnell was named the preseason American Southwest Conference West Division Player of the Year.

"Those two are the strength of our offense," Said Bingham. "Both are athletic and hit really hard. They are weapons to have. I think Kaela will be a more all-around player this year."

Another strength for the Cowgirls is back row defense and two mainstays from a year ago return as the libero and defensive specialist. Sam Lucien and Gracen Harris will be back in their familiar role. Lucien had 404 digs last year and Harris had 312.

Another veteran returns to the outside in Amanda Mace. She recorded 257 kills and 286 digs last season and she hit a respectable .170. She will be teamed with junior college transfer Chelsie Fowler. Fowler is a smart player that is also strong defensively. Diona Massey will play an opposite for the Cowgirls to take advantage of her explosive leaping ability.

Brianna Addison, Andrea Modrall and Teddi Crenwelge are all three players that played a year ago and are expected to contribute on the outside at different times. Addison will also play in the middle. Ciara Simms will also battle for time in the middle.

"We have to be a better blocking team and we also have to be more consistent defensively," said Bingham. "There were times we would have defensive lapses that cost us points and sets. We have to be more consistent and I think another year of experience will help with that. They have proven already to be better in that part of the game."

The Cowgirls will have a new setter this season in Mary Hardin-Baylor transfer and Abilene native Erin Davis. She will also help tutor a pair of freshmen setters in Kaitlin Mitchell and Kayla Dotson.

"Erin is such a smart setter. She gets the ball where it needs to be and she runs our system well. They two freshmen show signs of being very good, but they are freshmen and will have those lulls of not so good. We think they can all three help us in the future."

For the Cowgirls to get back to the NCAA Tournament, they have to stay together as a unit over the compacted season.

"Team unity is our biggest thing," said Bingham. "Our season is so compact, they have to be really together the whole time, sometimes for four or five matches in a week. We have to stay together communication wise."

A year of experience will also help Bingham know what to expect.

"Getting to know everyone is a big thing," said Bingham. "Having nine returners is a big asset as well. Learning how to manage how fast the season goes was something I wasn't as ready for last year. You have to go through it before you are really ready. I think I know what to expect and the girls know what to expect from me."

With all of the talent and familiarity with each other the Cowgirls are expecting a big season - but it won't be easy with tough non-conference tournaments at UT-Dallas, Trinity and Emory.

One big thing for the Cowgirls is the chance to play 10 home games, including hosting the ASC Crossover. Another prize sits at the end of the season to the ASC West winner - the right to host the American Southwest Conference Tournament. If the Cowgirls can do that, it will be the first time in school history.

"Our fans are going to get a chance to see us play," said Bingham. "We are going to be a fun team to watch so I hope everyone will come out and support us."