By Cynthia Robinson
After a summer in Europe, the University of Louisville volleyball team is ready to show this side of the world what they can do.
“The overseas trip has equipped our team with maturity and a heightened sense of citizenship. The level of competition we faced will give our players the experience to handle all situations without the fear associated with never having been there before,” said head coach Leonid Yelin.
The Cards return with four seniors. Emily Roberson, Lesley Drury, Melissa Karrer, and Jing Ding will be looked to for leadership this season
“We must capitalize on our senior leadership in 2001. These four women have experienced two C-USA championships, three trips to the NCAA Tournament, and a journey around the world,” explained Yelin.
Games in Russia, Austria, Germany, and Italy helped prepare the team for new NCAA scoring regulations. The rules that may be new to other players in the conference, came as no surprise to this team who has already played by those rules. Utilized by the European teams, there is a point for every play. In addition to rally score, net serving will also be allowed.
The Cardinals finished last season as the number one ranked team in the midwest region. This year they are the preseason pick to win Conference USA. The volleyball team also received 112 votes for the Top-25 in the AVCA/USA Today Poll. The Cardinals barely trail No. 25 Georgia TechÕs 123 votes.
