Aug. 22, 2006

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - Three traits common to any successful team are focus, mental toughness and physical ability.

According to head coach Karen Lockyer, the Lewis University women's volleyball team heads into 2006 possessing all three.

"I'm very optimistic about this year's team," said Lockyer. "We have four seniors, an all-conference setter and an extremely talented group of freshmen. We have all the tools to win."

Last year, the Flyers went 17-13 overall with a 9-7 record and sixth-place finish in the increasingly competitive Great Lakes Valley Conference. The team finished above .500 for a sixth consecutive season and 24th time under Lockyer, who began her 32nd season with a 726-423-7 all-time record.

This year's team carries over seven players from 2005 - four seniors, two juniors and a sophomore - while adding six freshmen. The Flyers' returning group, which includes two all-conference selections, brings experience and a renewed hunger for success.

"This is a very competitive league," said Lockyer. "You have to be mentally tough. Towards the end of last season and into our spring practices, the team started to get it. They understand what it takes to win consistently in this conference and are now more focused than ever."

While not all starters, each of the Flyers' seven returning players has seen significant playing time during the past few seasons. As a group, the Flyers' veterans can be characterized as experienced and battle-tested.

"I've seen a definitive attitude adjustment among our upperclassmen," said Lockyer. "They know they have to bring the "A" game every day, and they are now prepared to do it."

Leading the charge among the Flyers' upperclassmen are all-conference picks Theresa Nugent and Andrea Morrone. Nugent, a senior outside hitter, was named to the All-GLVC second team in 2005. She led the Flyers in kills (368) for a third straight season, cementing her role as the team's go-to person on offense.

"Theresa is our clutch player, a gamer," said Lockyer. "She's very skilled and hits a hard ball. She is a complete player. I know she is ready for her best season yet."

Morrone, an All-GLVC honorable mention last season as a sophomore, posted 860 assists in 2005 and was second on the team with 392 digs.

"Andrea is very competitive and has a charisma on the court," said Lockyer. "The best she has ever played came during the conference tournament last season, and I think she is only getting better."

Sarah McKinney, Lindsay Grim and Charisse Steckling complete the Flyers' senior class. McKinney, named all-tournament at the Colorado Christian Tournament, was one of four Flyers to eclipse 175 kills last season, and she was third on the team with 24 service aces. She also registered 236 digs. Grim and Steckling added significant contributions whenever they stepped on the court.

"Sarah is very competitive with good ball control and court sense," said Lockyer. "Having a left-handed hitter is always an advantage. She is very difficult to read on the court.

"Lindsay has good technique and a strong serve. Charisse shows a quick arm and is a solid blocker. Now seniors, their drive has never been better."

The Flyers bring back two more important components in junior Sylvia Ciezak and sophomore Lauren Hatter. Ciezak came on strong last season, hinting that her best is yet to come, while Hatter emerged as a universal utility player for the Flyers.

"Sylvia has worked hard and really come along," said Lockyer. "She's a great blocker, aware on the court and not intimidated.

"Lauren has a great serve and proved to be solid defensively. As she becomes more focused, she'll continue to develop into a great libero."

The Flyers' freshmen class consists of Kim Richards, Stephanie Sagat, Christina Avilina, Jaqi Kenney, Jessica Guest and Sara deBuhr. Lockyer specifically sought out recruits from winning high school and club programs to formulate what is potentially one of the most talented incoming classes in several seasons.

"All these girls have been successful," said Lockyer. "They know what it feels like to win and they know how to win. They already possess that mental toughness. Many of our freshmen have the talent to play right away. They will definitely push our older players."

The Flyers open the 2006 schedule by participating in the University of West Florida Comfort Inn-vitational. From there they come home to host the Flyer Festival before settling into conference play.

"The parity in this league is greater than ever," said Lockyer. "We have to stay focused. If we can do that, I think we can finish in the top three in the conference."