UTC volleyball, soccer teams grow

Veteran coaches Lisa Rhodes and J.D. Kyzer both are working from bigger-than-usual rosters and counting on several local players as they prepare for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga fall sports season. In each case, a local standout has transferred to her hometown school from Middle Tennessee State.

Rhodes, entering her 16th season heading the volleyball program, is upbeat about the 2009 season despite losing three seniors and two outside hitters from a team she felt "overachieved" last year in going 17-16 overall and 12-6 in Southern Conference play.

With Rhodes' biggest squad ever, 16 players, even returning starters Jessica Scott and Courtney Barnes are in healthy competition for their positions.

"I think we're going to surprise some people," Rhodes said. "We're further along than I thought we'd be with nine new players -- seven freshmen and two transfers."

One transfer is former East Ridge star Laura Brock from MTSU.

"She's such a bright spot for us," Rhodes said.

With Brock and freshmen Kirsten Beasley from Texas and Meagan Ernd from Indiana, plus GPS's Heather Parman, the Lady Mocs are solid at outside hitter, Rhodes said.

The most notable absence from 2008 is at libero, where Lara Newberry graduated as the all-time NCAA digs leader, and Rhodes thinks even that position will be in good shape with energetic freshman Paula Passmore from Florida.

Junior Bailee Chastain from Red Bank is battling the team's only senior, Cassie Conner, for the setter spot, and 6-foot-2 freshman Christina Teter from Red Bank is fitting in well with returners Barnes and Ellie Kuhn at middle blocker. Scott brings proven right-side experience, challenged by fellow sophomore Stephanie Harville.

Kyzer begins his 10th season at UTC with 24 soccer players, 50 percent more than a year ago, when the team matched the combined 2006 and '07 win total with five victories. While most of their opponents have the full complement of 14 scholarships, the Lady Mocs are rebuilding with eight a year after being down for a while to six, and they have three strong seniors -- Chelsea Hurst, Marlee Jenkins and Arielle Lankford -- after having no seniors the previous three years.

"We have more people and I think more people who can play at a high talent level," Kyzer said.

That definitely includes Kelly Downs, a junior from Soddy-Daisy by way of MTSU.

"Kelly is going to make a huge impact," Kyzer said. "She's very adaptable and very fast. We've got her up top right now, but I'd be happy with her anywhere on the field."

Sophomore D.K. Henry was all-conference after leading UTC in scoring last year, and junior Sara Francescon led the team in 2007. Junior Serena Allen joins Hurst and Jenkins in a solid backfield.

Baylor's Taylor Davidson and fellow freshman Sydney Dewberry from Murfreesboro Siegel are competing for the starting goalkeeper spot. Other area Lady Mocs are Danielle Barr from Hixson, Allie Scales from GPS, Tayler Shelby from Baylor, Kelsey Swann from Soddy-Daisy and Amber Scealf from Ridgeland.

The soccer team begins its season Aug. 28 at Tennessee Tech. The volleyball team opens the same day in a tournament at Morehead State.