Date: 8/26
Position: Libero / Defensive Specialists

Returning Letterwinners (Key stats): Rachel Hickey (5 kills, 72 asst., 13 service aces, 349 digs, 4.42 dps);  Paige Lynn (Redshirted the 2020 season);  Juanita Monteiro-Pai (11 asst., 14 service aces, 105 digs)

Letterwinners Lost (Key stats): None

Newcomers (Yr., Previous school):  Madisen Werdell (Jr., Tennessee)

Miscellaneous Notes
- The Jags ranked third in the league in service aces per set (1.43) in 2020. In conference matches last year, the Jags ranked third in service aces per set (1.44).
- South Alabama ranked 10th in the SBC in digs per set (10.57) last season, and also ranked 10th in digs per set (13.75) in league contests.
- Hickey ranked seventh in the Sun Belt Conference in digs per set (4.43) last year, and ranked 10th in the league in digs per set (4.18) in conference contests.
- Hickey's 366 digs in 2020 led the team.
- Monteiro-Pai appeared in 20 matches with four starts as a freshman last season, and ranked fourth on the team in service aces with 14.
- Lynn redshirted 2020 after sustaining a wrist injury prior to the start of the season. 
- Werdell lettered at Tennessee for two years, appearing in two matches in 2020 and 12 matches as a freshman in 2019.

Head Coach Jesse Ortiz
- On what has stood out among the group during the offseason and preseason in regard to strengths and areas of improvement: 
"I thought the defender group as a whole grinds. They ask great questions and are extremely motivated. The improvement will just lie in learning the defense. The whole team needs to improve on our defensive concepts." 

- On how Paige Lynn has progressed coming off of an injury from last year: 
"Paige is progressing. We are hoping to have her ready by the beginning of the season. She has been in great spirits and, I can tell, she is eager to get back on the court."

- On who looks to be the Libero entering the opening weekend:
"As of now, there is healthy competition in the gym just about everywhere. We are going to have to wait and see."

- On what Madisen Werdell brings to the group with her Division I experience:
"We call her 'Delli'; she is eager to learn and is a contributor. She has been great about being a good teammate and also competing hard in the gym. If you are a rookie and see how she goes about her work, she is a great example of what a 'pro' can be."

- On how Rachel Hickey has assumed a leadership and mentor role among the group and team: 
"Rachel is an unbelievable leader! She is a competitor. I know the other ball handlers and freshman value her experience and knowledge. She keeps the group motivated and has high standards. I appreciate how great she has been amongst the younger players."

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

Join the Rally Score Club, the volleyball specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund. All donations to the Rally Score Club go directly to support the South Alabama volleyball program. For more information on how you can join visit:  jaguarathleticfund.com/rallyscoreclub.