CEDAR CITY, Utah – As Southern Utah University’s volleyball team gears up for the upcoming season, the outside hitters are ready to make a significant impact.
Outside hitters are versatile players who significantly impact the court with their ability to attack from both the front and back rows. They participate in the most skills in the sport of volleyball: attacking, passing, floor defense, blocking and serving. Roughly 50% of the game is played out of system, which means a non-setter is setting the second contact, or the setter is 15 feet or more off the net on the second contact. An outside hitter is a key component because they are primarily set out of system more than any other position. This also means they typically have the most attacking attempts throughout the match. Their all-around skills make them crucial to both offense and defense in a game.
Head Coach Kacey Nady Said
“This positional group of our student-athletes excites me because every outside brings something different to the court. Andrea (Dre) is extremely experienced and brings consistency and a level of IQ to our gym, which makes our team significantly better. Finley is a super athlete; she’s strong, powerful, and has a willingness to work that is incomparable. Maddy has grown tremendously in this last week alone and is passing and attacking very efficiently, which are the two most important skills of an outside. Gaby brings ball control, smart attacking, and hustle to our gym. Marlee has extreme potential and a will to win, that I believe sets her apart from most athletes her age. SUU has never had a group of outsides this balanced and talented, and it’s something I look forward to developing further this season!”
Andrea Spasojevic
Andrea Spasojevic, a redshirt senior, was a key player for Southern Utah last season, leading the team in kills (266), digs (303), and service aces (31). Her experience from previous stints at Louisiana Tech, Odessa Junior College, and New Mexico Junior College has honed her skills, making her a formidable presence on the court. Spasojevic’s leadership and all-around game are expected to drive the team forward.
Finley Charapata
Finley Charapata appeared in four matches in her freshman season, showcasing her potential with three kills and four digs in a match against California Baptist. Her high school career was impressive, earning multiple All-Conference honors and leading her team to a state runner-up finish in 2021. She brings valuable experience and a winning mindset to the team.
Madison Walker
Madison Walker made her mark in 20 matches last season, achieving a season-high nine kills and four blocks against Fresno State. Before coming to SUU at Oak Ridge High School, she amassed 545 career kills with a remarkable 39.3% kill percentage. Walker’s consistency and strong performance on the court make her a vital asset for Southern Utah.
Gabriela Arias
Gabriela Arias joins SUU with a strong background from New Mexico Junior College, where she contributed to the team’s conference championship and historic national qualification. Her accolades include an all-conference honor and a notable performance against Odessa College. Arias’s power and finesse add depth to the Thunderbirds’ attacking lineup.
Marlee Ervin
Marlee Ervin, a versatile athlete from Ogallala High School, brings a wealth of talent to SUU. Her high school career was decorated with Southwest Conference honors, Twin City all-tournament team honors, and the Keith County Player of the Year award. As a captain of the dance team and a multi-sport athlete, Ervin’s athleticism and competitive spirit will be an asset to the volleyball team.
With this talented group of outside hitters, Southern Utah’s volleyball team is poised for a promising season. Each player brings unique skills and experiences, contributing to a well-rounded lineup. Fans can look forward to exciting matches and strong performances from these standout athletes.
Tickets
Tickets are on sale now! The home opener is set for the second week of the season when the T-Birds host the University of Idaho and UC Riverside in a tournament. All weekday home games will be played at 6:30 p.m. MT, while most Saturday games will begin at 1:00 p.m. MT. The exceptions to this are the Saturday of the home tournament (11 a.m. MT start) and Saturday, October 12, which is Homecoming weekend (7:00 p.m. start). Get your tickets today by visiting tbirdtickets.com!
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