Aug. 26, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB volleyball team opens its 2008 season Friday at the Florida Gators Invitational. With preseason practice winding down, uabsports.com provides an in-depth look at the volleyball program as it prepares for its opening weekend.

"I'm really pleased with the way we've practiced," UAB third-year head coach Kerry Messersmith said. "The biggest difference between this year and my previous two years is that our practices are a lot more competitive. We're so much deeper at each position, and that just leads to more competition."

Today is the fourth day of a five-day preview on uabsports.com, featuring a position-by-positon breakdown of the 2008 volleyball squad. Today, we take a look at the opposite hitter position.

Thursday, Aug. 21 -- Setters
Friday, Aug. 22 -- Outside Hitters
Monday, Aug. 25 -- Middle Blockers
Tuesday, Aug. 26 -- Opposite Hitters
Wednesday, Aug. 27 -- Liberos

OPPOSITE HITTERS
After playing for three seasons in the middle, senior Casey Dent is making the move to the right side in 2008. Dent has been a constant for the UAB program, starting 90 matches over the past three years. For her career, the Helena, Ala., product owns 937 kills, 228 blocks and 350 digs. Her career .321 hitting percentage ranks second all-time in school history.

Head coach Kerry Messersmith believes Dent can build upon those numbers with her move to the opposite position.

"Casey has done a great job of making that transition," Messersmith said. "She's been great in practice, and we feel like she'll be an even stronger player over there."

Dent will be joined on the right side by sophomore Jordan McDonald, a Birmingham native who comes home to UAB after spending her freshman season at West Georgia. She made an immediate impact at her previous school, earning Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year honors and helping the Wolves to the NCAA Division II Tournament.

"Jordan is a really dynamic athlete," Messersmith said. "She is the best jumper we have, and she will definitely see significant playing time. She could also add outside depth for us. We're very excited to have her here."

The Blazers also return redshirt sophomore Leah Nye at the opposite hitter position. After redshirting in 2006, the Birmingham product saw action in four matches last season.

"Leah has been in our program for two full years now," Messersmith said. "She has made big strides in her game, and she will make a push for more playing time."

Nye is one of 10 returning players who will join eight newcomers on the UAB roster in 2008. The Blazers also bring back five starters from a year ago. Check back tomorrow for a look at the Blazers' defensive specialists.