Jackson, MS-Belhaven head coach Lydia Smith and the Blazer volleyball program are pleased to announce the 2010 season recruiting class. The Blazers will have seven new faces on the court this fall and with the outstanding talent returning from last year's team it should make for an exciting 2010 season.
Leigh Anne Huddleston, a native of New Braunfels, TX, played high school volleyball at New Braunfels High School. She is 5'11 and has the ability to play three different positions on the court including outside hitter, middle blocker, and right side.
“Huddleston will play mostly outside with us and will contend for a starting position,” says Coach Smith. “She gained a tremendous amount of experience in club this past year and went to Nationals in Reno in July.”
Siobhan Hardy, who hails from Arlington, TX, comes to Belhaven after a solid career at Mansfield Timberview High School. Hardy, a 5'6 Libero/Setter was the District 8-4A Utility Player of the Year.
“Hardy is a sound serve receive passer and will add to our depth on defense,” says Coach Smith.
Lise Chapelier, a native of Sengern, France, is another valuable addition to the 2010 Blazers. Chapelier is a 5'8 outside hitter and has 11 years of club volleyball experience.
“Chapelier will play mostly outside, although she's had experience in the middle and is very capable of running the offense in the middle,” says Coach Smith. “She has good ball control and plays good defense and I am excited about her potential to be one of this year's top recruits.”
Serita Ingram comes to Belhaven by way of Longview, TX and Hallsville High School. Ingram is a 6'0 middle blocker and her height along with defense at the net will be a welcome addition to this year's team.
“Ingram will play some middle and probably some right side,” says Coach Smith. “She will help increase our height on the net for a bigger block.”
Gabriella Zorzoli, a native of Germantown, TN, was an outstanding player at Germantown High School as a defensive specialist. Her athletics honors include Best Defensive Player, Best of the Preps, All-District Team, and Most Valuable Player.
“Zorzoli will be a threat to our opponents and will be a strong contender for the Libero position this season,” says Coach Smith.
Katie Owen, a 5'5 Libero from Murrieta, CA, played high school volleyball at Vista Murrieta High School where she was a varsity letter winner and was named team MVP during her junior season.
“Owen will add to our defensive depth and she also has some setting experience which will be valuable to the team,” says Coach Smith.
Madison Crossie rounds out the 2010 recruiting class and hails from Hammond, LA. Crossie is a 5'4 setter and was a 1st Team All-District selection, Player of the Year, and was named most improved in 2008 at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.
“Crossie will add more depth to this year's team and will come in working to improve on her fundamental setting skills,” says Coach Smith.
The Blazers open the 2010 regular season against Xavier University of Louisiana on Saturday August 28th at 3:00 PM. Belhaven will play a second game that day against Alabama State University starting at 5:30 PM as part of the Xavier University Tri-Match.
