TicketsAug. 26, 2009
This is the third and fourth of four installments previewing the 2009 University of Cincinnati volleyball season. UC kicks off its regular season at the Utah Classic Aug. 28-29 in Salt Lake City, before welcoming Youngstown State, Evansville, and the College of Charleston to Fifth Third Arena for the Bearcats Invitational Sept. 4-5.
With the departure of Nevitt, junior Lindsay Upton is the lone returner in the middle in the UC lineup. Alongside Nevitt, Upton finished 10th in conference-only play hitting at a .324 clip and averaged 1.51 kps and 0.65 bps. Alongside Upton will be two newcomers in Jordanne Scott and Becca Refenes. Scott is the highest ranked recruit for the Bearcats ranking 61st on the Prepvolleyball.com Senior Aces List and her quickness and athleticism will allow her to contribute immediately. Refenes is quick, jumps well, and is athletic with a good arm and her work ethic will allow her to render huge gains quickly.
UC's backcourt is led by the squad's lone senior Jaime Frey. Frey is a three-year starter at libero and led the team in digs per game last season. Additionally, junior Julie Guenther begins her third season as a defensive specialist and she is joined by and freshman Karen Onuki.
The 2009 UC volleyball team has a target on its back as it looks to repeat as BIG EAST Conference champions. Six experienced returning letterwinners mixed with one of UC's most athletic recruiting classes gives Cincinnati the opportunity to compete along with other BIG EAST perennial powers such as Notre Dame, Louisville, and St. John's.
Volleyball season tickets are available to adults for $20, and to youth, seniors, and UCATS members for $10. Fans can purchase season tickets by calling 1-877-CATS-TIX.