Volleyball Continues Preseason Preparations As Opener Looms
August 16, 2016 | Volleyball
GREENVILLE, N.C. – The East Carolina volleyball team hit its eighth day of preseason workouts Tuesday in preparation for its season opener Aug. 26 against Canisius at the Bucknell Invitational. With just 10 days remaining before that match, the Pirates have been focusing on all aspects of the game through positional drills and scrimmage situations.
Â
It hasn't been all work and no play for the women, however, as they had a chance to greet Pirate Nation at the athletic department's annual Meet the Pirates event at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The team signed autographs, handed out their 2016 poster and spent time connecting with ECU fans of all ages.
Head Coach Julie Torbett enters her fourth season in charge of the program with arguably her most talented roster to date. Bolstered by the additions of junior transfer outside hitter Lael Ceriani from UT Martin and former ECU women's basketball standout I'Tiana Taylor, as well as the return of three of its top four hitters from the 2015 campaign, the Pirates look to produce their first winning record since 2006 and challenge for a spot in the top half of the American Athletic Conference.
Â
Speaking of Taylor, she recently took some time to fill Pirate Nation in on her thoughts heading into the 2016 campaign.
Â
After a great two-year basketball career at East Carolina, what made you decide you wanted to play volleyball for your last season?
A: I wasn't ready to end my college career. Coach Torbett was kind enough to give me an opportunity to continue my dream.
Â
Did you have offers to play volleyball out of high school? If so, from which schools?
A: DePaul, Penn State, West Virginia and Arizona
Â
What are some of the things you learned on the basketball court that can be carried over to volleyball?
A: You have to have short-term memory on every play and maintain a team atmosphere.
Â
Having spent two-plus years now at East Carolina, what makes Pirate Nation so special?
A: Pirate Nation has been so inspirational and supportive over the past two years. I wouldn't have been able to become who I am today without Pirate Nation. I will forever be a Pirate.
Â
Do you plan to play either basketball or volleyball professionally after you leave ECU?
A: I will take advantage of the opportunities that are presented at the time but my main focus is this upcoming season.
Â
Why should Pirate fans come and check out the volleyball team this upcoming season?
A: Pirate fans should come to our matches because we've been working extremely hard and have the talent we need to be the best team in the American Athletic Conference. I plan to bring my energy, competitiveness and talent from the basketball court to the volleyball court.
Â
It hasn't been all work and no play for the women, however, as they had a chance to greet Pirate Nation at the athletic department's annual Meet the Pirates event at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The team signed autographs, handed out their 2016 poster and spent time connecting with ECU fans of all ages.
Natalie Montini found herself a new volleyball fan pic.twitter.com/lUwujivk4d
— ECU Volleyball (@ECUVB) August 14, 2016
Head Coach Julie Torbett enters her fourth season in charge of the program with arguably her most talented roster to date. Bolstered by the additions of junior transfer outside hitter Lael Ceriani from UT Martin and former ECU women's basketball standout I'Tiana Taylor, as well as the return of three of its top four hitters from the 2015 campaign, the Pirates look to produce their first winning record since 2006 and challenge for a spot in the top half of the American Athletic Conference.
Â
Speaking of Taylor, she recently took some time to fill Pirate Nation in on her thoughts heading into the 2016 campaign.
Â
After a great two-year basketball career at East Carolina, what made you decide you wanted to play volleyball for your last season?
A: I wasn't ready to end my college career. Coach Torbett was kind enough to give me an opportunity to continue my dream.
Â
Did you have offers to play volleyball out of high school? If so, from which schools?
A: DePaul, Penn State, West Virginia and Arizona
Â
What are some of the things you learned on the basketball court that can be carried over to volleyball?
A: You have to have short-term memory on every play and maintain a team atmosphere.
Â
Having spent two-plus years now at East Carolina, what makes Pirate Nation so special?
A: Pirate Nation has been so inspirational and supportive over the past two years. I wouldn't have been able to become who I am today without Pirate Nation. I will forever be a Pirate.
Â
Do you plan to play either basketball or volleyball professionally after you leave ECU?
A: I will take advantage of the opportunities that are presented at the time but my main focus is this upcoming season.
Â
Why should Pirate fans come and check out the volleyball team this upcoming season?
A: Pirate fans should come to our matches because we've been working extremely hard and have the talent we need to be the best team in the American Athletic Conference. I plan to bring my energy, competitiveness and talent from the basketball court to the volleyball court.
Players Mentioned
OH
/ Volleyball
Middle Hitter
/ Volleyball
Outside Hitter
/ VolleyballECU Volleyball vs Wichita St.
Sunday, October 20
ECU Volleyball vs Campbell
Thursday, August 31
ECU Volleyball vs UCF
Sunday, November 07
ECU Volleyball vs USF
Friday, November 05
