University of Tennessee Athletics
MATCH INFORMATION
August 29, 2002 | Volleyball
Aug. 29, 2002
In June, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) released its "2002 NCAA Women's Volleyball Rules and Interpretations." This is the first year that the NCAA is writing rules for women's volleyball, a task previously performed by the National Association of Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS). Rally scoring will once again be the scoring format and the international pursuit rule, which allows for a player to retrieve a ball that has crossed the centerline outside the court under certain circumstances, has been officially adopted after experimental use last season. The most important change made to the rules is the use of a libero player, a designated back-row player who cannot serve, attack or set inside the attack line. Other significant rule changes include teams switching sides at eight points in the deciding game and a penalty point being awarded when an opposing player is disqualified or expelled.
The addition of the libero (pronounced "LEE-bah-ro") is intended to add a new element of excitement to the game and potentially create opportunities for the smaller athlete. One libero is designated on the lineup sheet prior to each game and if one is not designated on a lineup sheet the team may not use a libero. The libero is allowed to replace any player in the back row without counting as a substitution and there is no limit to the number of libero replacements a team is allowed. The color of the libero's uniform must contrast from the color of her teammates' uniforms, but her shorts must match those of her teammates. The libero cannot be designated as one of the six starting players on the lineup, but immediately after the second referee checks the lineups, the libero may replace any back row player except for the first server of the team that is serving first.
| VOLLEYBALL BY POSITION |
Defensive Specialist - A player who only plays in the back row. The main responsibility of the DS is to pass the ball off a serve and dig the opponents' attacks.
Libero - A designated back-row player, intended to be used as a ball-control specialist. The libero cannot serve, attack or set inside the attack line.
Middle Blocker - Usually one of the best blockers on the team, the middle blocker is responsible for blocking an opponent's attack. Additionally, they attack off the quick set close to the setter.
Outside Hitter - Will normally have the most attacks in a match. An OH is responsible for passing and hitting the outside sets. They may also contribute on a block.
Right Side - A player who has the best all around skills on the court because the position requires the player to block, pass and hit all types of sets. The right side player is not necessarily limited to swings from the right side.
Setter - A player responsible for running the offense and setting up the hitters' attacks, usually on the ball's second contact.
| THE LADY VOLS BY POSITION |
Many of the Lady Vols play more than one position. They are listed below at the position they will most likely see action at.
Defensive Specialist/Libero - #13 Alex Compeau, #25 Morgan Miltner, #2 Jasmine Fullove
Middle Blocker - #10 Kristen Andre, #30 Michelle Piantadosi, #33 Heather Harrington
Outside Hitter - #7 Kelli Scott, #9 Janelle Hester, #12 Eva Marko, #16 Jennifer Rudy
Right Side - #3 Whitney Gifford
Setter - #55 Julie Knytych
| STOKELY ATHLETICS CENTER |
The 2002 home volleyball campaign will be contested at the Stokely Athletics Center, marking the fifth season since the team's return to the facility in 1998. The multi-million dollar renovation of Stokely culminated with the Orange and White's home opener before a then-record crowd of 737 against Florida Atlantic in the Toyota Lady Vol Classic on Sept. 4, 1998.
Stokely Athletics Center was reconfigured to provide a 5,000-seat spectator viewing area for volleyball. The building also houses the offices of the Women's and Men's Athletics Departments as well as Army and Air Force ROTC. It was originally called the UT Armory Fieldhouse in 1958 and seated just over 7,000 basketball spectators. Through the generosity of the late William B. Stokely, Jr., further construction was completed. On Dec. 1, 1966, the facility was renamed to honor the Stokely family and featured a seating capacity of 12,700.
For the past 26 years, the bulk of the Women's Athletics Department offices have been housed in Stokely, including Academics, Athletic Training, Compliance, Event Management, Golf Coaches, Media Relations, Rowing Coaches, Soccer Coaches, Softball Coaches, Strength and Conditioning, Track and Field Coaches and Volleyball Coaches. Already possessing the largest women's-only weight room facility in the nation, student-athletes also have a new state-of-the-art training room. In 2001, Academics moved out of Stokely and made its way into the plush Thornton Athletics Student Life Center just across Volunteer Blvd. from its old site, while the rowing staff relocated to a brand new $2.5 million boathouse on the riverfront in the winter of 2000.
Stokely Athletics Center was home to both the men's basketball team (1967-87) and Head Coach Pat Head Summitt and the perennial powerhouse Lady Volunteer basketball team from 1976-87. Today, the new reconfiguration has added a back-up practice court for use when Thompson-Boling Arena has a scheduling conflict. Tennessee's volleyball squad used the building during the 1989 season, and the school hosted the Women's Invitational Volleyball Championships in 1990.
