Ladyjack 2008 Preview: Liberos
8/22/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 22, 2008
NACOGDOCHES, Texas- - When the Southland Conference elected to give out an annual Libero of the Year award in 2004, it did not seem likely that one particular team would dominate the honor like SFA has. Stephanie Figgers snagged the first three awards from 2004-2006 on her way to becoming second all-time in the NCAA in digs, and last year senior Jami Hill stepped in at midseason and earned the honor herself after leading the conference in digs in conference play.
SFA has a pair of candidates for the libero jersey this season, and both have experience.
Laurel Kuepker actually started off as a freshman in the libero spot before transitioning into a defensive specialist role as the season progressed. She was one of only four Ladyacks to play each of the 122 individual games last year and finished second on the team with 458 digs (3.75 dpg) as well. Humphreys calls Kuepker a fun-loving player that helps keep the rest of the team in high spirits when she's on the court, and that even despite her youth that she has accepted a leadership role as well.
Kuepker will be challenged by another junior college transfer, Sydney Millburn. Originally from Kingwood, Texas, Millburn spent the last two seasons at Blinn Junior College and brings maturity to a youthful team in addition to coming from a winning program, according to Humphreys.
August 13- Setters
August 15 - Outside Hitters
August 19 - Middle Blockers
August 22 - Liberos
-SFA-
