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University of Houston Athletics
Volleyball Ready to Shine in '05
8/25/2005 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Aug. 25, 2005
 | "Setting an atmosphere full of energy and excitment is going to be to our success. Our girils will bring a lot of athletic ability, competitiveness, and an intense desire to win each time we hit the floor." Head Coach Bill Walton |
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HOUSTON - There will be a lot of noise coming from the Athletics/Alumni Center this season as the Cougar volleyball team bids for its third Conference USA championship, and bids for its 12th NCAA Tournament appearance in the last 17 seasons under head coach Bill Walton.
The 2005 campaign marks the beginning of Walton's 20th season at Houston, the longest tenure of any current UH coach. He has joined elite company as one of only six Cougar head coaches with that long of tenure.
"I'm excited to start my 20th season," Walton said. "This is one of of our most talented groups that already has a lot of experience entering the season."
Houston returns five starters from a season ago headlined by 2004 C-USA Defensive Player of the Year Jaci Gonzalez and C-USA Third Team selection Kelly McAnelly.
 Jaci Gonzalez looks to climb the Conference USA record books in 2005.  | |
Gonzalez shattered six C-USA and UH dig records last season on her way to being named First Team All-Conference. Those marks include a new single-season digs record (698), new single-season dig per game (5.77), and a new single-match record (43).
She is once again expected to anchor the back row this season. The San Antonio native already has the top spot for digs in the Cougar record books, and is currently third on the C-USA career list. Gonzalez enters the season 240 digs away from reaching the 2,000 dig-plateau for her career.
McAnelly has paced the Houston offense the past two seasons registering 1,014 kills. She tallied a double-digit kill total in all but six matches last season on her way to a team-best 13 double-doubles. Her 4.12 kills per game was good enough for ninth all-time in a single season.
McAnelly enters '05 number six on the all-time attacks list and is 125 kills short from breaking into the top-10.
Also returning to the squad are a pair of dynamic middle blockers in Becca Sartori and Kariny Ritter. The duo smashed over 300 kills apiece, while on defense they were instrumental in disrupting opposing offenses, combining for 214 total blocks last season.
All of these weapons are at the disposel of Jennifer Hohl. She eclisped 30 or more assists in 12 matches last season. There were six matches where Hohl posted 40 or more assists. She was also second on the team recording 10 double-doubles.
"We have an excellant core of juniors and seniors returning to the squad forming a solid nucleus," Walton said. "We also now have depth this year that we haven't had for a long time."
Walton has brought in a solid recruiting class that all have a similar pedigree; success. The class is showered with state championships and individual accolades.
Kelli Adams participated in the 2002 Junior Olympics, while Akilah Grant-Sullivan has experience training with the Junior National Team.
Walton likes how his seven talented newcomers are developing. The group is beginning to see where they can contribute to the squad right away.
"The freshman are learning quickly," Walton said. "Juice (Justine Farmer) is looking like she may bust into the starting line-up.
The Cougars have high expectations as it joins some old foes, and welcome six new rivals into C-USA.
"Setting an atmosphere full of energy and excitement is going to be key to our success," Walton said. "Our team will bring a lot of athletic ability, competiveness, and an intense desire to win each time we hit the floor."
The Cougars hit the floor beginning the 2005 season on Friday night against Wichita State. First serve against the Shockers is set for 7 p.m. The Houston tournament continues on Saturday against in-state foes Stephen F. Austin and Texas Tech. Those matches are slated for 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively.
Individual tickets can be purchased at the door for $5. UH students get in free using their Cougar 1Card.
