Fresno State Athletics
'Dogs Look to Secure Defensive Arsenal
8/22/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 22, 2011
FRESNO, Calif. - With just five days remaining before the start of the 2011 Fresno State volleyball season, the Bulldogs are finished with fall camp, attending their first classes of the year and begin their game preparation practice on Monday afternoon in the Save Mart Center.
Yet another challenging, but competitive schedule developed by fourth-year Fresno State head coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell and her staff will feature four matches against opponents ranked in the preseason Top 25, including No. 20 San Diego that will participate in this weekend's Fresno State Classic. The 'Dogs also have dates with No. 7 Washington and No. 10 Hawai'i (twice) on their slate.
This year, the Bulldogs must find a way to replace WAC dig leader Kelly Mason, who graduated this past May after a strong senior season at libero.
Netherby-Sewell has a pair of options in Korrin Wild and Christina Lee for the starting libero slot while both of them could also team with junior college transfer Barbara Alcantara to fill the Bulldogs' also open setter role.
"Korrin was forced into a position her freshman year that we desperately needed her to fill," Netherby-Sewell said of Wild playing both outside hitter and serving as a defensive specialst. "This year, she finally trained in a position that she was built for. Competing for the starting Libero spot, Korrin will undoubtedly provide an anchor to our serve reception and out-of-system setting option. I haven't seen a more natural passer in years. She worked hard in the spring on her serving game becoming one of our most aggressive and consistent at the skill. If she learns to smooth out her defensive game, she's going to be one of the best liberos in the conference. Mark my word."
Lee could be the future of the Bulldogs' backrow as her quickness and defensive prowess is truly something special.
"Christina has set most of her career but I envisioned her as a libero when I found her in Denver a year ago," Netherby-Sewell said. "She has speed, vision and the cutting ability to be a tremendous defender. Her setting background gives her a rare understanding of the sport. She'll compete for a starting setter role and the starting Libero role in her first year. She's simply good at volleyball, so it's likely she'll find a way to help us in competitions."
Alcantara, a native of Brazil, provides the 'Dogs with an experienced winner as part of the mix.
"Ba has trained and won at a high-level in the junior college system," Netherby-Sewell said of Alcantara. "Competing for the quarterback position right away doesn't intimidate her one bit. She has maturity and confidence in her skill, the sport and leading a court. She doesn't second guess herself but she'll certainly force her opponents to second-guess themselves. I also like that we're adding a transfer who adds experience in winning to a role that we've needed strength in."
Fresno State will serve up the start of the season against Cal Poly on Friday at 7 p.m. in the Save Mart Center.
"We Are Your Team!" - Stay connected with Fresno State Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@FSAthletics). You can watch the Bulldogs all season at the Save Mart Center as season tickets are available for $42 (adults) and $25 (senior and youth). A Family & Friends Flex Pack can be purchased for only $80 and allows four fans to attend every match. The `Dogs begin the season by hosting the Fresno State Classic Aug. 26-27.
