Previewing 2011 Volleyball Season

Claire Lessinger and the lady Bulls look for a winning season in 2011 (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

Volleyball season is back as well for the Bulls (all the sports are finally returning after a long, hot miserable summer). The Bulls are hoping to improve on their 10-16 season, finishing in 8th place in the Big East. They went 6-8 in conference play and were 5-5 at home (3-8 on the road). The Bulls will have a difficult season at home as the Corral becomes part of the renovation plans of the Sun Dome.

The Bulls, under head coach Claire Lessinger who is entering her 8th season, are 89-113 in her tenure at USF. The ladies have been picked to finish 8th place again in the Big East and will be battling to make the Big East Tournament. Lessinger has a solid team returning this season and will look to get the season on the right foot. [keep reading]

Junior middle-blocker Caityln Breen (6-2) is a big time striker returning for the Bulls. She had 102 kills last season (1.2 per set), totaling 21 digs and blocked 9 shots during the season. They will have to produce even more this season. Sophomore middle-blocker Andrea Rodriguez Gomez (6-0) had 171 kills last season (1.76 per set). She had 20 service aces and made 113 digs, playing a key role in the center of the action. Senior outside hitter Kimika Rozver (5-11) had 118 kills last season (1.82 per game) had 3 service aces. She also had 50 digs and had 8 blocked shots as she continues to become a better player for coach Lessinger.

Junior outside-hitter D'Beria Davis (5-11) had 224 kills last season (2.46 kills per set, a huge ratio for the Bulls). She also had 17 service aces which will be a key weapon this season. Coach Lessinger also adds Marissa Marazzi (5-7) as a walk-on to the team. They are very high on her and believe she will make a welcome impact this season. The Bulls also add 5-11 outside hitter Valerie El Houssine who the coaches will look to help make an impact this season.

So what can we expect this season from the Bulls? The Bulls are a relatively young team with some veteran leaders on the roster. Claire Lessinger is a solid coach, but they do have a tough schedule (opening season vs. New Mexico, rough start). With their home court being the Upper Gym this season, they will hope to have solid home crowds this season as well to help them out. A 10-12 win season is not out of reason and a trip to the Big East tournament should be the goal for this team!