Volleyball Season Preview: Part Three

New head coach Santiago Restrepo has given the Oklahoma volleyball program a face lift since he took over in January. Now the real work begins as the Sooners hit training camp and begin preparation for a the 2004 season. Today is the third in a four-part preview of the upcoming season, which begins at the Holiday Inn/University of Texas-Pan American Invitational on Sept. 3.

SETTER
Assistant coach Steve Loeswick, who is in charge of the setters, was a four-year starting setter at Southern California during his collegiate days. That knowledge as a collegiate veteran will be much needed as the coaching staff decides who will gain the starting nod in the fall.

Sophomore Rachel Jackson and freshman Julie Chester are both eyeing the opportunity to quarterback OU's one-setter offense for the rest of their careers.

Jackson has a leg up on Chester because she is the returning starter. During conference play, she had the ninth best assists per game average at 8.65, despite playing in a two-setter system. Jackson walked on last season and took the starting spot from a senior (Kelly McCarter), which could provide a similar blueprint back to the starting spot this season.

Chester is most highly touted recruit in the 2004 class. She was an outstanding prep and club setter in Texas, who earned All-America honors at Junior Nationals at the age of 17. She is a fiery player with many leadership qualities that Loeswick and Restrepo cherish.

"Setter will be interesting all fall," said Restrepo. "We are in good shape and that unit could be a great strength for years to come. Both need to be very consistent and both need to show that they can lead this team through their play and actions."

DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST/LIBERO
Senior Stephanie Tengram, sophomore Anna Monsen and freshman Lindsay Schuessler will compete for time at defensive specialist and libero. Monsen and Tengram have the advantage at the start because they were healthy and received extensive time during the spring season.

One of Restrepo's first moves as head coach was to find Monsen a position. As a freshman, she bounced between setter, defensive specialist and libero. Hoping to capitalize on her tremendous speed, he moved her into a defensive role. Monsen is still a raw athlete but she routinely stays after practice and will work as hard as anyone on the squad.

Tengram came on late during her junior year and was a regular contributor at defensive specialist during the latter part of the season. During spring, she was the primary libero and impressed Restrepo.

"Stephanie stood out in the fall," said Restrepo. "She had a good work ethic and showed steady improvement."

Season Preview Part One | Part Two

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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