Date: 8/23
Position: Outside / Right Side Hitters

Returning Letterwinners (Key stats):  Katelyn Lochner (14 kills, 22 digs, 1 asst) ;  Kristina Alabastro (231 kills, 2.03 kps, .281 hitting pct, 50 digs, 78 total blks, 0.68 bps);  Iva Durdanovic (287 kills, 2.66 kps, 27 service aces, 202 digs, 1.87 dps, 34 total blks, 0.31 bps); Lauren Hartman (8 kills, 5 digs, 3 total blks);  Avery Cooper (9 kills, 4 total blks)

Letterwinners lost (Key stats):  Mechell Daniel (313 kills, 2.75 kps, .265 hitting pct, 187 digs, 1.64 dps, 33 total blks);  Deanna Canfield (3 kills, 4 asst, 1 service ace, 48 digs, 1.71 dps)

Redshirts/Newcomers (Yr., Previous school):  Meaghan Jones (Fr., Sachse [Texas] HS);  Hannah Harris (Fr., Providence Christian [Ala.] School) 

Miscellaneous Notes
- Daniel was a second-team all-Sun Belt Conference selection for the third straight season in 2016, which marked the fourth consecutive year she earned all-league recognition.
- Daniel ranked ninth in the SBC in kills per set (2.75) last season, which led South Alabama.
- Daniel tied for the team lead with five double-doubles last year, which made her the program's all-time leader in the category with 45.
- Durdanovic led the team in service aces (27) last season, ranked second in kills (287) and kills per set (2.66) and third in digs (202).
- Durdanovic finished tied for the most double-doubles on the team with five.
- Alabastro appeared in all 30 matches, and finished second on the team in total blocks (78) and third in blocks per set (0.68). 

Head Coach Amy Hendrichovsky
- On the experience returning:
"I believe our outside hitters are learning and improving every day. Our defensive system is forcing them out of their comfort zone which has sped up their development. I am confident going into the season that we will be successful offensively on the pin."

- On the depth:
"I believe depth is a strength of our team this season. We have the perfect combination of experience and youth. We are two to three deep in almost every position, and we plan on using that accordingly throughout the season."  

- On the expectations of the newcomers:
"I expect the newcomers to learn and grow every day. For the most part, they are all coming from different systems. Learning and developing in our technical skill set and our system will be key to them making it on the court. I think they have responded well so far."

- On replacing Mechell Daniel:
"I think any time you lose a player that has been your go-to the last few seasons, it certainly forces others to step up to fill the void. I think there are always positives to those situations as well. I believe sometimes you can fall into the trap of relying on a player of her caliber to get you out of a situation, whereas now more players have had to be comfortable getting the ball in that situation. I think it could help the development of our other hitters to a certain extent."

Sophomore Iva Durdanovic
- On her individual goals for this season:
"Last year I was getting familiar with the game here in the (United) States, so I need that experience just to get used to the certain energy and everything that we are doing. The coaches did a good job of letting me play and gain that experience, and I am really thankful for that. This year with the new additions to the coaching staff, I think they have come up with new techniques and system for us to learn that allows for different angles and shots and it is really working for us. We have more range and a better skill set."

-On her strengths:
"I have played this game for a long time. I might not do the things the same way that they are thought out here, but I am capable of adjusting to every new system and everything that the coaches are asking me to do. I am really thankful for my teammates; they are working hard to get to the level that we are all striving to reach."

- On the strengths of the outside and right side hitters:
"Our position is really versatile; we pass, attack and set occasionally. I feel like we have all really improved on our skill sets. Our defensive system is much better than last year, and I think that is going to bring us a huge advantage. Serving and passing is a big part of the game, and we have really improved in those areas as well. Our entire team, not just the outside hitters, are pulling each other up to a whole new level."

- On stepping up her role after the graduation of Mechell Daniel:
"Mechell was a specific-type of player. She had specific skills that she brought to the team. But we have other players who can bring something different to the court and contribute in helping improve everyone's skill set."

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