One would think with the season done, the hard work would beover. Not for the Lady Tigers volleyball team.
Memphis hasn't lost any momentum since their season ended, acampaign that saw the Lady Tigers finish 30-6, and are preparingfor a spring scrimmage at the University of Arkansas Saturday.
Outside hitter Nancy Nellans said the team's goal right now isfinding an identity after losing team leaders Brittany Barnett andShella Neba.
"It just comes with the territory," said Nellans. "I played withthem for two solid years, and we all knew they would leaveeventually. I'm actually excited to see what we're going to dowithout them."
Barnett and Neba played intricate roles in last season'ssuccess. The question facing the team is whether their graduationwill be seen as a loss or a learning experience.
Outside hitter Jennie Toronto sees it as an opportunity for herto step into a larger role with the team.
"They showed great leadership ," Toronto said. "Now that they'regone it just gives other people the chance to step up."
This weekend will provide the Lady Tigers with their first tasteof what life next season will be like without the seniors.
Middle hitter Melissa Nance said this year's squad has nothingto lose and should use this weekend match to find their formagain.
"It's good competition," said Nance. "It's a lot of practice.The whole entire team gets an experience and a chance to improve.It's a lot different from the regular season."
The tournament is going to encompass some of the top teams ofthe south from outside Conference USA.
Arkansas, Southwest Missouri State and Oklahoma will compete-all of which are regular NCAA participants.
The big difference between this scrimmage and the volleyballteam's previous one, is that it gives The U of M a chance to playsome new faces.
"I think this weekend will be a challenge," said head coachCarrie Yerty. "It will be a great measuring stick for us before westart the fall.
"I'm excited about the players we've got. We have undoubtedlygot the pieces here, we just have to work daily to progress."
Progression is what the spring training is all about for theLady Tigers.
Even with three All-CUSA players returning, and five startersall together, there are certain gaps that have to be filled, andfilling them is going to take time.
"I think we're in great shape," said Yerty. "Skill-wise I thinkwe're getting to where we need to be and our foundation is reallysolid. People from last year are getting up to where they need tobe."
Yerty said she hopes the momentum her team carried through lastseason will continue into next season's start.
Nellans has no doubts the Lady Tigers will return with the samegusto.
"It's been an encouraging spring," said Nellans. "We've lost twobig seniors and the team has really managed to fill their shoes.We're staying very, very competitive. Come see us next year --we'll be good again."
