Around Campus

2007 Texas Volleyball Season Outlook

The 2006 Big 12 Conference Freshman of the Year, Ashley Engle, returns for her sophomore season in 2007	Texas’ career leader in assists, Michelle Moriarty, returns for her fourth and final season at the helm of the Horns’ high-powered offense

Chocked full of talent does not even begin to describe the 2007 Texas Volleyball team. Seventh-year head coach Jerritt Elliott’s roster boasts four All-Americans, a two-time UT team MVP and the second-ranked incoming recruiting class in the country. Not to mention, the Longhorns are coming off their best season in nine years after making it to the NCAA Regional Finals in 2006 for the first time since 1998.

Texas’ front row is one of the tallest in the country, with its nine middle blockers and outside hitters averaging right at 6’3”. The Longhorns complement their towering front row with a stellar platoon of defensive players that includes three-year starter Alyson Jennings, who ranks sixth all-time at UT with 1,173 career digs. Texas also returns three-year starter and career assists leader Michelle Moriarty, who registered 1,587 assists as a junior en route to setting the all-time assists record with 4,358.

Elliott’s 24-7 squad from a year ago showcased three All-Americans in 2006, including Moriarty, Big 12 Freshman of the Year Ashley Engle and high-flying Destinee Hooker. Engle highlighted the Horns’ offense in 2006, registering a team-high 463 kills and posting a 3.99 kills per-game average, while Hooker hammered out 373 kills and tallied 3.49 kills per-game during her inaugural campaign.

The Longhorns also return 2005 All-American Brandy Magee, Texas’ career leader in hitting percentage. Magee missed most of the 2006 season after suffering a knee injury in the season’s first match.

Texas’ Gregory Gym will undoubtedly continue to grow into one of the toughest home courts in the country this season with the talented cast headlining the UT Volleyball team. Last year the Horns ranked ninth in the country in home attendance, averaging 2,169 fans at their 16 home matches. This season should prove to be every bit as exciting as last year, so get your tickets soon.

Tickets can be purchased by phone at 512-471-3333 or 800-982-BEVO or online at www.TexasBoxOffice.com. Season tickets are $85 for adults and $68 for UT Faculty/Staff. Individual match tickets are available for $9 for reserved seats, $7 for adult general admission and $4 for senior citizens and youth general admission tickets.

A First Team All-Big 12 and AVCA All-Region performer as a freshman, sophomore Destinee Hooker, looks to help Texas improve on its NCAA Regional Finalist finish from a year ago