Aug. 24, 2007

ABILENE, Texas - In the last handful of years, the Hardin-Simmons volleyball program has seen its share of change. The 2007 season will be more of the same.

On the heels of their first-ever American Southwest Conference title and NCAA Tournament appearance, former head coach Hugh Hernesman left for a Division I job and was replaced by Sabrina Bingham.

What was left was a cupboard full of talent, which comes into the season with high expectations. HSU returns four starters from a year ago, including a pair of battle-tested seniors.

"We have so much talent and leadership on this team, it is a great opportunity to step into," said Bingham. "They came into this expecting change from last year, but they have been very open-minded about it. I have added some of the things I like to do, along with some of the things they have done in the past and it has really been a smooth transition. It took some strong leadership from the returners for that to happen."

Not only is the team mature off the court, it has veterans on the floor that make good decisions with where to go with the ball and when to do it and it helps that they are extremely talented.

"We have talent all over the court. We have good passers, we have some impressive arm swings and our setter is as good as anyone. I have been impressed how far along our returners and newcomers are at this point. They know what they want to do."

The Cowgirls have their eyes set on another conference title, but they have stated their team goal to advance further than last year. The Cowgirls had the whole offseason to get the taste of a disappointing five-set loss to Austin College out of their mouth. They twice had match point in the third game. It has only served as motivation.

"They have stated as a team goal they want to go further than they did last year," said Bingham. "For them to do that they are going to have to be one of the better teams in the region. We have the depth and talent and they are motivated."

The offensive attack will be led by two players that were a key force last year. Senior Chelsea Buetow, a starter since her freshman season, set the school record for kills in a season last year with 413. She is back and stronger than ever for her senior season.

"Chelsea is swinging hard after her shoulder surgery," said Bingham. "She is still a little timid at times, but she is smart. She can whip it one time and then the next time dump it. She is a great court leader and she brings a been-there-done-that factor. She has been in a lot of situations."

Sophomore Kalea Parnell will control the middle for the Cowgirls. She had a great freshman campaign with 375 kills, a .271 hitting percentage and 108 total blocks. Parnell brings an explosive leaping ability to the middle.

"Kaela is an unbelievable leaper," said Bignham. "She has a good arm swing and she can hit over the block. She is very smart in the front row and she has really worked hard over the summer on her passing."

Senior Megan Lawrence will handle the right side for the Cowgirls. She is a good blocker and is the unquestioned team leader. She is a rare four-year team captain.

"Megan brings an uncanny ability to lead her team. She is our best blocker and she is in great shape. We expect her to be a force for us this season."

Setting up the talented front row will be sophomore setter Amanda Curry. She was an All-ASC West division first-team selection as a freshman with 1,100 assists and she runs the team as well as anyone in the league.

"Amanda is so smart," said Bingham. "One of her biggest strengths is she reads the plays well and she can make plays out of tough situations. That is what you look for in a good setter."

A pair of veterans will compete for court time with their defensive abilities. Sam Lucien will likely be the libero and backup setter. Amanda Mace is a great passer and also has a great vertical and will play on the outside.

The Cowgirls biggest strength will be its experience, but it also has great depth with a strong recruiting class. Cambra Hughes, Andrea Modrall and Brianna Addison are three freshmen that can play both in the middle and outside.

"All three are of those girls have big arm swings and are good blockers. I think they will all three be in the rotation early on."

Teddi Crenwelge is a sophomore that played volleyball and basketball at Western Texas College. She is a strong hitter and brings some extra height to the front row. Freshman Diona Massey brings great leaping ability to the right side and is a good blocker.

Gracen Harris is a great defensive player that could see time at libero or as a defensive specialist. She has fast feet and is a good passer.

"I like our depth and work ethic," said Bingham. "We have a challenging schedule so we have to get ready quick, but I think we have the talent to do the things the girls have set as goals for this team."