Volleyball surprises competition

By Joel Beachum
Sports Writer

The women's volleyball team has a new coach and a number of highly recruited players. Their goal is to reach the top of the Peach Belt Conference.

Coach Jeff Billington comes from Frostburg State University, where his team was 100-37 overall.

“Our expectations for the season are to finish in the top two in the conference and to be playing in the conference tournament championship,” he said.

“Our additions are doing well. Alex [Cogdill] is starting as defensive specialist and has contributed greatly. She brings a strong leadership quality to a young team. Lexie [Wood] and Jenna [Jablonski] also have stepped into the starting lineup. Lexie is sharing the setting duties and starting as a middle hitter. They are both doing well,” he said.

“We have high expectations for the team,” Cogdill said. “I came from a winning program [Fresno City College]. I think that we are going to do well and that we are going to surprise some people. We are the dark horses of the conference. Everyone does not expect us to be at the top.”

After matches at the Anderson College Volleyball Tournament, UNCP went 2-2 with wins over Fayetteville State and North Greenville. They dropped matches against host Anderson team and Mars Hill.

Last season, the Lady Braves, coached by Beverly Justice, were 9-22 overall and 3-11 I in the PBC.