Lions Top NAIA Region XII and AAC Preseason Polls

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Key returners and fresh faces - the right mix?

 

"Hold the High Ground!"  An old military term is the key phrase for 2006 AAC Coach of the Year Leo Sayles as he guides the Lions into the 2007 season.  After a remarkable 2006 campaign culminated in a second place finish in the AAC, the 4th year head coach worked hard bringing in key players to replace the loss of Abby (Humphrey) Lee and several other key contributors.  Spring training and summer workouts will be the key to building on last year's success as the Lions begin the year ranked #1 in NAIA Region XII and the AAC preseason Coaches Poll. 

The Lions received 5 first place votes from conference coaches, finishing ahead of 2006 regular-season champions King College.  Union College was a close third.  The Lions finished the 2006 season  ½ game ahead of Virginia Intermont University, while Union was fourth in a tightly-contested race for the 2-3-4 positions.  Coach Sayles, was pleased with the poll.  “Although polls never tell the full story, it definitely is a sign of respect for our program and the hard work of our players.  I believe we will be in serious contention for the title as well, if we can mesh early and stay healthy.  A good spring season and hard work off the court this summer hopefully has prepared us for a successful season.”  The team opens preseason camp on August 12, and opens their season on the road at the High-powered Best Western Classic, hosted by Columbia University in Columbia, MO.
 
Region XII
1. Bryan College (Tenn.)
2. Brescia University (Ky.)
3. King College (Tenn.)
4. Union College (Ky.)
5. Indiana University Southeast
6. Spalding University (Ky.)
7. Virginia Intermont College
8. Asbury College (Ky.)
9. Montreat College (N.C.)
10. Milligan College (Tenn.)
Preseason AAC Coaches Poll
 
  Team                                   First Place Votes
 
1  Bryan                                                 5
2  King                                                   3
3  Union                                                 1
4  VIC
5  Montreat 
6  Milligan
7  UVa-Wise
8  Covenant
9  Tennessee Wesleyan
10  Bluefield
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    The Lions will be paced by All-American Honorable Mention Robin Renfroe, who begins her junior year in hot pursuit of the career kill record held by Bryan's new assistant coach, Kim Barlow (Bryan '05) who returns to her alma mater.  Renfroe dominated the conference in 2006, finishing 4th in hitting percentage and 2nd in total blocks.  She was the fourth-highest vote-getter in All-Conference voting, and was First team All Region XII and All-AAC.  Renfroe was also NCCAA All-Region in 2006.

She is joined by returning captain Kathryn Rawley (2006 2nd Team All-conference, NCCAA All-Region), who will guide the defense from the libero position in her final season.  Rawley led the Lions in passing percentage, digs, and serving percentage in 2006.  Her leadership on the sidelines and off the court will be just as valuable as her leadership in matches.  The duo are assisted by 2006 AAC Freshman Player of the Year, Amber Smith (NCCAA Mid-East Region).  Smith is the second component of a powerful middle tandem for the Lions.  amber finished the '06 season 2nd in the AAC in hitting, and 4th in total blocks.  She also led the conference in service aces.    2006 AAC All-Tournament selection Gabrielle Claxton will move to the Outside Hitter position to give the Lions extra fire power and athleticism at the outside position.  Fellow returning Opposites Leah White (Sr) and Kaylin Carswell (Jr) will share responsibilities setting blocks on the outside.

Soph. Hannah Suits returns to guide the Bryan offense, and will split time with incoming freshman Deborarh Lowery. 

Jessica Etress will join Rawley in the back row, while a trio of hitters will compete for the second OH position.  Alison Young, a standout hitter from Alabama is a probable starter, while Lauren Pratt, a strong MB/OH from Oak Ridge, TN will compete for time at the right side.  Ashley Sours has had a strong preseason and will back up Young and Claxton on the outside.  Sarah Lyons from Chattanooga will round out the lineup for the 2007 season.

Scheduling information is now available on the team schedule link. 

 

 

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