Aug. 9, 2006

GREENVILLE, N.C. -The East Carolina volleyball team, under the direction of second-year head coach Chris Rushing, opened its 2006 preseason camp Tuesday with a morning and evening practice at Minges Coliseum.

The Pirates return seven players from last year's squad, and are adding seven newcomers to the program. After losing two starters to graduation, Rushing will be looking to the newcomers to make an immediate impact.

"We have an awesome group of freshmen and we need a couple of them to step up immediately, due to the loss of Pam (Ferris) and Erica (Wilson)," Rushing said. "We feel that they will and are up for the challenge. They are really impressing us in the gym in our first few days of practice.

"The first day of practice was good, but it was a little shaky at the same time," Rushing added. "This morning's practice had a definite `wow' factor to it. Our newcomers have come in and are playing well, as are our returners. Assistant coach Eve (Rackham) and I have a really good feeling about this season."

Rushing will look to his seniors Heidi Krug and Jaime Bevan for leadership. Krug, who earned all-conference honors last season, sits in second place on ECU's career assist list with 3,070 through three seasons. Her 13.36 assists per game was 12th in the nation last year.

The Pirates open the 2006 season at home on Aug. 25, hosting William & Mary in the East Carolina Invitational. ECU will play 16 contests at Minges Coliseum this year, including eight Conference USA matches.