UNA has unfinished business

FLORENCE - Stephanie Radecki is the first to admit the University of North Alabama did not meet its volleyball expectations in 2007.

The Lions, who have owned the Gulf South Conference since 1996, failed to win the conference title for the first time since 2003 and saw a string of 11 consecutive NCAA regional appearances come to an end with a 20-16 season.

Radecki, beginning her fifth year as head coach, said she is confident last year's disappointing end was just a bump in the road, not a trend.

"This is a key season for us," she said, as her team was in the final preparations for this week's season-opening tournament in Rolla, Mo. "Last season left us a bit frustrated. We obviously were disappointed, but I think our team is really fired up about this season."

In her analysis of last season, Radecki said there was an overall lack of consistency.

"Offensively, we weren't the team we typically are," she said. "Defensively, we weren't as strong as we usually are."

Some of the inconsistency can be attributed to youth. The Lions lost the bulk of their key players from the 2006 team that played in the national championship match. This year, the Lions are still somewhat young, but they are a veteran team with five returning starters.

First-team All-GSC libero Jessica Hansen tops the list of starters, while setter Alison Jacobs begins her junior season after earning second-team All-GSC honors. Outside hitter Kelly Pratt is the only senior in the starting lineup. Middles Sarah Roberts and Whitney Sanders also return.

Sanders is the leading returning hitter after recording 448 kills. Pratt (233) and Beyaca Martin (226) also were solid hitters in 2007.

"Whitney is an amazing player," Radecki said. "She struggled with some nagging injuries last year, and we have to try to keep her healthy all year."

Radecki said Pratt has stepped into more of a leadership role.

Newcomers who could contribute include Florence High School's Lauren Greenhill, a 6-foot defensive specialist, outside hitter Brigid O'Brien, and defensive specialist Stephanie Sarago.

"By UNA volleyball standards, last year was not up to par," Radecki said. "It wasn't a bad season, just not what we are used to. We pushed them hard in the spring. We wanted to find out if they were willing to get on board. They were. We've definitely seen that."

In just four years with the Lions, Radecki said she has seen the league improve tremendously.

"West Florida is going to be good again. West Georgia has a good team, and West Alabama and UAH added solid players," Radecki said. "In the West, Henderson State, Arkansas Tech and Harding are always good."

Gregg Dewalt can be reached at 740-5748 or gregg.dewalt@timesdaily.com.