Aug. 29, 2005

ABILENE, Texas - One of the things Hugh Hernesman talked about when he was hired as the Hardin-Simmons women's volleyball coach was a rebuilding effort that would take three or four years. The optimistic coach feels that with a top-notch recruiting class that the time frame may have been moved up a year.

"We have upgraded at every single position over last year," said Hernesman. "The competition level in practice is something we could not replicate last season. The newcomers are even better than we expected and our athletes that went through the offseason have all improved. We are getting better each practice. Our volleyball IQ is much better and we are making better situational decisions."

In leading the Cowgirls to a 9-17 initial campaign as the Cowgirl's head coach Hernesman saw positives in the young players he brought in his first season. He also saw that he needed more depth at every position.

"We still have some question marks, but there are also a lot of options we did not have last year," said Hernesman. "We are filling those question marks with talent. I don't know who is going to play at what positions yet, but we will be talented at every spot on the floor. Our team depth is so much better than at this time last year."

The biggest need for the Cowgirls was to find a setter. "It was probably our biggest weakness last season, because of depth," said Hernesman. "Amanda Keithley has been doing extremely well and with her club experience that has prepared her to come in and play right away as a freshman. We are thrilled with how well she does in the front row, as most of what we saw of her for the last two springs during club ball was just playing in the back row in a 6-2 offense."

Three other newcomers give the Cowgirls other solid options. It played a good portion of last season without a "true" setter when an injury to the departed Lizzie Tomas derailed a season that started with a lot of promise.

"Holly Amerena has been a slight surprise," said Hernesman. "She is a gamer and goes hard all the time and competes, which is what we expected from her, but we did not expect her to perform at this high of a level. She is a high effort kid, which has improved our practices."

"Krystal Ziehe is training with our setters. She has had to set with some nagging injuries we've had and will be an emergency setter for us and that could possibly be her role in the future. Mandy Wray has been hurt a lot in the preseason, but she is very athletic and can set if we need her to. She will also see time at defensive specialist.

Continuing the depth theme is at outside hitter where the Cowgirls have six players fighting for playing time.

Reigning ASC Freshman of the Year Chelsea Buetow is back for the Cowgirls and has an edge because of how she played last year.

"Between Chelsea (Buetow), Taylor McFarland, Melanie Wallace, Ziehe, Jen and Ali Childers there is depth there," said Hernesman. "All of them shine at different times, it will be a matter of who steps up and is consistent for us. They will all get an opportunity play at some point.

"If they are not playing outside they can be used as a defensive specialist or at libero, because they are all talented and they give us some ball control options. I don't think we had that flexibility last year."

The right side is a two player battle between Megan Lawrence and Amber Montgomery. Both players will likely be on the court.

"Megan brings a physical presence and plays higher above the net and Amber is left-handed and can turn on some second balls," said Hernesman. "It is a real asset to have to have a lefthander on the right side, as there are some things that are just easier for them to do than right-handed athletes. Amber probably has better ball control and is a good serve receiver. They should both see some time and it may be a back row-front row situation. Jessica Shrieve will be utilized in a back row capacity and will give us some depth on the right side as well in addition to giving us some good senior leadership."

The Cowgirls' MVP from a year ago, Virginia Aguilar, has gotten even stronger and Hernesman is counting on the Hawaiian to be a star for the Cowgirls.

"Virginia is standing out, probably more than anyone else right now, mainly due to her consistency" said Hernesman. "She is at a different level right now. She is bringing a lot to the table every day in practice in every drill. I am expecting a lot out of her this year."

"Hannah Toole is everything we thought she would be and probably even a little more. She has good ball control for a middle and brings a real speed and quickness element to the position for us. Chelsea has also been back in the middle on occasion for some drills, as added depth in a pinch."

Even with the youth Hernesman feels a first-ever trip to the American Southwest Conference Tournament for the school is realistic.

"Realistically, this team can finish in the conference tournament," said Hernesman. "We have the talent level to do it. Hopefully, youth does not play a big factor. Sometimes I think the youth factor is overrated, because we brought in talented kids that have played at high levels in high school and club. That may buy a year or two of college experience. What will be a bigger issue will be whether they are physically ready for the intensity of a college program and a college season, because it is a little different than what many freshmen are used to."

"I would be disappointed if we are not in the top three of the ASC West and making a trip to the conference tournament. I feel as if you're not playing for the post-season, what is the point? Once you get there, then anything can happen and we are definitely better across the board."