Volleyball team spikes into 2004-2005 season

By T’asia Bobbitt
Staff Writer

With five returning starters, two of which are seniors, and four new players, the UNCP women’s volleyball team has spiked into another season.

Returning this year are seniors, Natalie Niesborella and Stacy Norton. With no returning juniors, they round it out with sophomores, Jennifer Paroda, Meredith Craig, April Newhouse, Alicia Hill, Rachelle Milbank, and Takeyia Perkins.

The new players consist of three freshmen and one transfer student. They bring several new key elements to the team. Rebekah Niesorella, freshman sister of senior captain, Natalie, is quick and swift. Freshman Codi Kohlmeier and junior transfer Kelly Parker bring size with heights of 6'2'' and 6'1", respectively. Parker transferred from Lansing Community College bringing two years of experience. Coming from Sinton, Texas is freshman Sarah Harrison. She also brings quickness to the Braves’ game, along with athleticism and energy.

The Braves home opener of this season was Sept. 1 against Wingate University. The Braves lost to Wingate 3-0.

On Sept. 3 and 4, the Braves traveled to Wingate for the Wingate University Classic. They competed against Wingate, St. Augustine College and Winston-Salem State University. The Braves experienced a second loss to Wingate University on Sept. 3.

Head Coach Beverly Justice said, "We played them much closer the second time and elevated our play. Our opportunities to score could have been improved along with keeping each game close without a big point differential.”

The Braves played St. Augustine Sept. 4 and won victoriously 3-1. They picked up their second win vs. Winston-Salem State University 3-0.

Two of UNCP’s athletes received honors in the tournament. With 35 kills, 30 digs, and four aces, Stacy Norton was awarded All-Tournament honors. Jennifer Paroda also was awarded All-Tournament for her 94 assists in the tournament.

Monday night, Sept. 6, the Braves returned to play the Converse College All-Stars from Spartanburg, SC. In that upset Converse beat UNCP 3-1 sending the Braves to a 2-3 overall record. The Braves next home game will be on Sept. 22 against Fayetteville State University at 6 p.m.