VB Preview: Defensive Specialists and Setters

Aug. 22, 2007

NORMAN, Okla. - As the No. 22 Oklahoma volleyball team prepares for its season opening tournament at the Howard McCasland Field House this weekend, SoonerSports.com will be providing previews of the 2007 squad all week.

The Sooners will open the 2007 season this Friday at 7 p.m. against Denver in its first game of the Sooner Legends Nike Invitational. Oklahoma will close out the tournament with a 10 a.m. contests against Seton Hall on Saturday morning and a 7 p.m. match up with Alabama at 7 p.m. Saturday night.

Wednesday's installment features the defensive specialists and setters.

___________________________________________________________________

SETTERS
Returning Players:
Julie Chester (4.36 APG, 0.57 DPG)

Newcomers: Samantha Arriaran

Since Restrepo's arrival in 2004, there has always been a preseason battle at setter and this season is no different as senior veteran Chester and highly touted incoming freshman Arriaran will be in a head-to-head battle for, arguably, the most important position on the floor.

Chester played significant time as a freshman and sophomore in OU's offense, but was limited during her junior campaign as she played behind former Sooner and All-Big 12 performer Rachel Jackson. However, Chester is very familiar with Restrepo's offense as she has been in the system since her rookie season.

"Julie has really stepped up and become a leader on the court, which is exactly what we need," Restrepo said. "She is going to be challenged by Sam, but I believe that will be great for our practices."

Arriaran, one of the top setters from the class of '07, will provide tough competition for Chester. The 5-10 setter is also a strong blocking threat at the net because of her height.

"Sam has all the great qualities you want in a setter," Restrepo said. "What I like most about Sam is she is not afraid to take control and run the team and she has incredible leadership qualities and does a great job with court awareness."

Restrepo will be looking in the preseason for the player who shows the best consistency and leadership on the court.

DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS/LIBEROS
Returning Players:
Lacy Barnes (1.00 DPG)
Hannah Sharp (1.94 DPG)

Newcomers: Brittany Bullard, Taylor Harbster

Similar to the rest of the positions, the defensive specialists will feature a mix of veterans and newcomers. Senior Sharp and junior Barnes bring the experience to the position while sophomore transfer Harbster and freshman Bullard will be in the process of learning the system.

Sharp was a defensive sub last season, but saw action in 31 of OU's matches. The senior will have big shoes to fill as the Sooners lost the Big 12 Co-Libero of the Year, Anna Monsen, to graduation. As a junior last season, Sharp averaged 1.94 digs per game.

Barnes could likely see more playing time as her impressive work ethic earned her valuable court time last season where she made the most of her limited appearances.

While a newcomer to the University of Oklahoma, Harbster isn't a newcomer to the collegiate level as she played at Southeast Missouri State where she averaged 2.67 digs per game and recorded double-digit digs in 14 matches as a true freshman.

Bullard, the lone freshman of the group, knows how to win as she led Amarillo High School to a 45-1 and a state title. The 5-4 defensive specialist was also highly recruited as she was named one of PrepVolleyball.com's High School All-Americans.

"These four athletes are extremely talented and very exciting to watch," Restrepo said. "Each one of them could come in at any given moment and be a key player for us in the match."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

VB Preview: Defensive Specialists and Setters

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors