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Strong core has Coach Taube confident in 2003
Coach Laura Taube's very young group took their fair share of lumps during the 2002 season. For the first time in Taube's career, the Lady Chargers finished under .500. However, on the bright side, the young, but talented Lady Chargers still played well enough to finish third in the Gulf South Conference East Division and advance to the tournament. With the majority of the 2002 team's firepower returning, Taube is chomping at the bit to get her program back it’s proper place in the conference and in the South Central Region.
"I am very excited about this upcoming season. After last season's bumpy ride, I am ready to start a new season," said Taube, who is entering her tenth season at UAH. "Our conference record was respectable at 11-5 and a 3rd place finish, but our non-conference performance suffered affecting our overall record."
"I am looking to have a much better season as we have some new faces joining our team as well as very fine returning players."
Leading the group of impressive returning starters is GSC East Freshman of the Year Emily Miller. Miller brought back memories of such former power outside attackers as Ellen LaFiore and Becky Stitt. She led the team in kills and is expected to do so again this season. Also returning to complete an effective set of bookends is sophomore outside hitter Kristian Kleminsky. Kleminsky was second on the team in kills in 2002. She was also third behind Miller in digs.
Senior Mary Beth Key will also play outside. She had a strong finish on the court last year, which will help her compete for playing time on the outside. Senior Daniella Bragg, who is returning after missing most of last season with an injury, and sophomore Molly Healey will also provide some strong competition at the outside positions. Healey was third on the team in kills last season.
The UAH middle should also be solid with the return of Melissa Feldmann to the court. Melissa was a consistent starter before she was sidelined with an injury prior to the start of the 2002 season. In fact, going into last season, she was voted preseason All-GSC. With Melissa back in the lineup, Coach Taube feels that the offense will have more options. "Melissa will add a new dimension to our offense as she is a great passer as well as being a force in the front row as a middle hitter and blocker," she said. Joining Feldmann in the middle are sophomore hitter Bethany Holder, and junior Ajai Cribbs.
Coach Taube is looking for improved production from the middle in 2003. The Lady Chargers relied heavily on their outside attack last season. "Our first priority this season will be to use our middles more than we did last year," said Taube, who has a mark of 253-100 over her career. "These players (Feldmann, Cribbs and Holder) are athletic and will have pressure on them to perform. They will have to step up for us to be successful."
Competition at setter will be between sophomore Samantha Polkowski and newcomer Natalie Katsikas. Coach Taube feels that both have qualities that will benefit the team. "They should both see playing time over the course of the season," she said. "Our success will greatly depend on the decisions they make and the leadership they can provide on the court."
With the departure of Defensive Specialist Cathryn Sterling, a huge void was created in the back row. It will most definitely be filled with senior Ashley Otwell and newcomer Katie Rohde. Taube will likely use both players in the Libero slot to help shut down opposing attackers. "We shouldn't miss a beat with these two filling in as our Libero. They will both have an immediate impact and be fun to watch," said Taube.
In addition to newcomers Natalie Katsikas and Katie Rohde, Coach Taube expects freshman local players Kim Beesley (Huntsville High) and Kristen Wengert (Grissom High) to contribute immediately. "Kim could play outside or middle and is a tremendous blocker, Kristen is quick on defense and can jump out of the gym."
"I think we have a very talented bunch returning along with some great new players in the program. A great deal will depend on how we blend as a team and the chemistry that is developed among them. We will be competitive with everyone on our schedule, which as always is very tough. I expect to compete in the conference tournament and be competitive enough to reach the NCAA Tournament."
Final 2002 Statistics
