University of North Florida
Michigan State
Volleyball to Open Season at the UCF Classic
8/25/2011 3:06:00 PM | Volleyball
The Ospreys return four starters and their libero from last season's team including 2010 Atlantic Sun Second Team All-Conference member and preseason all-conference honoree, Paige Pridgeon.
Pridgeon, an outside hitter, led the Ospreys last year in kills per set, averaging 3.9. She ranked second in the league in kills per set and posted 15 double-doubles on the season with kills and digs.
Returners Dagnija Medina and Anna Budinska both averaged 1.81 kills per set. Medina also led UNF in blocks with 80 on the season and posted 27 aces. Libero Nicole Baran, led the team and was fifth in the A-Sun, averaging 4.15 digs per set. Setter Britt Claessens also returns after notching 8.94 assists per set last season.
Also returning this season are middle blocker Marija Pantovic and defensive specialist Kelsey Smith. Right side/outside hitter Cameron McGuire will be in action this season after redshirting last year.
Joining the Ospreys are transfers Carolyn Jenkins, a middle blocker from Hofstra and Emily Strack, a right side hitter from State College of Florida-Manatee.
Freshmen Megan Callen (middle blocker), Casey Giovanazzi (setter), Julie Trembley (outside hitter) and Madison Hatcher (outside hitter) will join the returnees for 2011.
This will be the first meeting between UNF and Michigan State. MSU posted a 15-16 record and finished ninth in the Big Ten in 2010. The Spartans return five starters and a libero.
The Ospreys hold a 1-0 record against South Alabama and last met in 2005. The Jaguars return 4 starters and a libero from a team that finished 11-21 last season.
UCF holds the 1-3 advantage over the Ospreys. The two teams last met in 2009 when the Knights claimed a 3-1 win. The Knights finished 16-16 last season and return five starters plus their libero.
Tournament information, including directions and ticket information can be found by clicking here.
