2008 Woodie Awards
Ladyjacks win 10 straight
By: Ashley Landers
Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: Sports
The SFA Ladyjacks have built a winning volleyball program under the direction of head coach Debbie Humphreys during her 20-year tenure.
This year is no different as the Ladyjacks are off to a 12-3 overall start after their 10th straight victory - a sweep over Louisiana Tech Tuesday night at William R. Johnson Coliseum.
Humphreys said so far this season, "We have improved tremendously and look forward to continuing improvement in the next months."
The Ladyjacks are 3-0 in conference play, have 13 conference games remaining in the season and host the conference tournament in November. To continue their success, it will take a team effort.
Returning upperclassmen Lauren Railey, Shelly Swendig and Ashley Bailey have helped lead the way.
Railey, McKinney senior, leads the team with 141 digs, 161 kills and 19 service aces.
Swendig, Garland senior, a pre-season first-team All-Southland Conference selection, has 128 kills and continues to be a leader for the Ladyjacks.
Bailey, Mesquite junior, has 49 blocks and 121 kills in 245 tries for a percentage of .363. She had 12 kills on 17 attempts against Louisiana Tech, which was her fifth consecutive match hitting over .435.
According to Humphreys, the freshmen are also doing well.
Mary Caitlin Bottles, Rowlett freshman, has 121 kills and is a consistent middle blocker for the Ladyjacks.
Melissa Miksch, Austin freshman, has 88 digs and 33 assists, putting her top three on the team in both categories.
Amber Williams-Roberts, Richardson freshman, comes off the bench and helps a lot.
Humphreys said the continuance of program success is due to the system in place. "Recruiting is a big part of it and the type of player is more important than the level of skill.
"They need to have the same goals on and off the court and be disciplined. It's about the quality of the people."
As far as competition goes, the Southland Conference is filled with competitive teams. Texas State has become a rival of SFA due to their competitiveness at tournament time.
This year is no different as the Ladyjacks are off to a 12-3 overall start after their 10th straight victory - a sweep over Louisiana Tech Tuesday night at William R. Johnson Coliseum.
Humphreys said so far this season, "We have improved tremendously and look forward to continuing improvement in the next months."
The Ladyjacks are 3-0 in conference play, have 13 conference games remaining in the season and host the conference tournament in November. To continue their success, it will take a team effort.
Returning upperclassmen Lauren Railey, Shelly Swendig and Ashley Bailey have helped lead the way.
Railey, McKinney senior, leads the team with 141 digs, 161 kills and 19 service aces.
Swendig, Garland senior, a pre-season first-team All-Southland Conference selection, has 128 kills and continues to be a leader for the Ladyjacks.
Bailey, Mesquite junior, has 49 blocks and 121 kills in 245 tries for a percentage of .363. She had 12 kills on 17 attempts against Louisiana Tech, which was her fifth consecutive match hitting over .435.
According to Humphreys, the freshmen are also doing well.
Mary Caitlin Bottles, Rowlett freshman, has 121 kills and is a consistent middle blocker for the Ladyjacks.
Melissa Miksch, Austin freshman, has 88 digs and 33 assists, putting her top three on the team in both categories.
Amber Williams-Roberts, Richardson freshman, comes off the bench and helps a lot.
Humphreys said the continuance of program success is due to the system in place. "Recruiting is a big part of it and the type of player is more important than the level of skill.
"They need to have the same goals on and off the court and be disciplined. It's about the quality of the people."
As far as competition goes, the Southland Conference is filled with competitive teams. Texas State has become a rival of SFA due to their competitiveness at tournament time.
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