2002 SEASON OUTLOOK LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY 2002 Volleyball Prospectus With a new season at hand, the Lady Railsplitters hope that physical strength and maturity will be the ingredients to reaching the Gulf South Conference Tournament in 2002. As well, an extremely tough non-conference schedule should also help to prepare the LMU women for battle with the GSC’s stiff league competition. Returning at setter this season for LMU will be junior Katie Holly (5’8” Cincinnati, OH). Holly led the Lady Splitter offense in 2001 with 10+ assists a game and .49 service aces. Being healthy could lead to a big year for Holly as well, as she will be pressed by Allison Holstein a 5’7” freshman from Brownsburg, Indiana. Holstein will be a solid back-up to Holly and will push for time as she has a great deal of experience from her past club teams. On the outside, there is a committee looking for their chance to shine. Ahleasha Matthews (5’8” Junior Kettering, Ohio) was the leading outside hitter with just under three kills per game last season and led the team in digs. Senior Jill Boehmer (5’9” Centerville, Ohio) was a constant on the right side last year for LMU. Jennifer Brannan (5’10” Sophomore Frankfort, Indiana), Courtney Marton (5’9” Freshman Springfield, Ohio), and Lisa Mulder (5’11” Sophomore Grand Rapids Michigan) look to make their mark as well. The middles have experience this season for the Lady Railsplitters; however speed could be the key to success. Melissa Stevens (5’11” Senior Monroe, Michigan) and Kellie Bass (6’0” Sophomore Clinton, Tennessee) saw major time in 2001 and will again this year. The duo will be looked upon for increased production as well. Sophomore Sara Klingenburg (6’2” Tehachapi, California) has shown vast improvement since her freshman season and has really worked hard in the off-season physically. She could see much more time in the middle this season as well. The new libero position will be a battle as Erin DeRouen (5’8” Sophomore Louisville, Illinois) played as a strong defensive specialist in 2001. She will be pushed by Allison Holstein for the spot this season. While the Lady Railsplitters have another trademark young team, through chemistry and hard work the 2002 Lady Railsplitter volleyball squad could be the most talented in several years. Only time will tell if they are able to put all the pieces together to have another successful year.
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