2007 News Archive

MONTEVALLO CONCLUDES SEASON WITH LOSS AT No. 25 WEST FLORIDA
 

PENSACOLA, Fla. (11/3) -- The University of Montevallo volleyball team dropped a Gulf South Conference match to No. 25 University of West Florida, in action in Pensacola, Fla. on Saturday.

UWF defeated UM in three games, 30-20, 30-18, 30-23.

Katy Handrick was the only Lady Falcon to post double figures in kills, finishing with a team-high 10 kills. Cami Johnson and Lauren Tortorici collected double figures in digs, with a match-high 13 digs and 10 digs, respectively. Joy Peschman had 35 assists.

UM concludes the 2007 season with a record of 4-8 in the Gulf South Conference and 11-27 overall.

MONTEVALLO DEFEATS VALDOSTA STATE
 

VALDOSTA, Ga. (11/2) -- Katy Handrick had a match-high 16 kills, while Lauren Tortorici added 11 kills and four service aces as the University of Montevallo posted a victory at Valdosta State (three games) in a Gulf South Conference volleyball match in Valdosta, Ga. Friday night.

UM defeated VSU 30-15, 30-13, 31-29.

Cami Johnson had nine digs, while Joy Peschman had 37 assists. UM as a team had 20 blocks (two solo), with Katie Johnson collecting six blocks (one solo).

UM (4-7 GSC, 11-26) will conclude the 2007 season at the University of West Florida for a Gulf South Conference match Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. The match is scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.
 

MONTEVALLO EARNS VICTORIES OVER OUACHITA BAPTIST AND ARKANSAS-MONTICELLO AT UAM CLASSIC
MARKLE AND PESCHMAN NAMED TO ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
 

MONTICELLO, Ark. (10/27) -- The University of Montevallo earned victories over Ouachita Baptist University (three games) and the University of Arkansas-Monticello (four games) in second day action at the UAM Classic in Monticello, Ark. on Saturday.

UM defeated OBU, 30-24, 30-24 and 30-27. Katy Handrick posted a double-double with a team-high 11 kills along with 10 digs and four service aces. Monika Tortorici added seven service aces and six block assists to go with eight kills. Cami Johnson had 16 digs, while Joy Peschman had 32 assists.

As a team, UM had a season-best 19 service aces.

Against UAM, the Lady Falcons won the last three games, 30-26, 30-28 and 30-23, after dropping game one, 30-20.

Four Lady Falcons, Handrick, Peschman, Lauren Tortorici and Katie Johnson collected double-doubles. Handrick had 16 kills with 12 digs. Peschman had 10 digs to go with 47 assists. Lauren had 16 digs with 10 kills, while Johnson had 15 digs and 10 kills. Lauren Markle also had 16 kills, while Cami Johnson had 16 digs.

After the tournament, Lauren Markle and Joy Peschman were named to the All-Tournament Team. In three matches, Markle hit .431 and averaged 3.09 kills per game. Peschman averaged 10.09 assists and 2.73 digs per game.

UM (10-26) will return to GSC East play for the final week of the 2007 season. UM will travel to Valdosta State (Friday - 7 p.m. ET) and West Florida (Saturday - 3 p.m.). Both matches are scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcasts.

MONTEVALLO DROPS NON-CONFERENCE MATCH AGAINST UPR PUERTO RICO
 

MONTICELLO, Ark. (10/26) -- The University of Montevallo lost to the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras (four games) in a non-conference volleyball match played in Monticello, Ark. Friday night.

UM won the first game 30-24, but lost the next three games, 30-24, 30-24 and 30-21.

Lauren Markle and Monika Tortorici collected double figure kills, with 11 and 10 respectively to lead UM. Cami Johnson had a team-high 18 digs and three service aces while Joy Peschman posted a double-double with 14 digs and 32 assists. Monika also had four blocks, while Katy Handrick added nine kills and also had three service aces.

UM (8-26) continues play in Monticello, Ark. on Saturday. UM will play against Ouachita Baptist University (11 a.m.) and host University of Arkansas-Monticello (2 p.m.). The matches are scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcasts.

LADY FALCONS KEEP GSC TOURNEY HOPES ALIVE WITH WIN AT WEST GEORGIA
 

CARROLLTON, Ga. (10/23) -- The University of Montevallo raced out to a 2-0 lead, then hung on for a five-game victory at the University of West Georgia, in a Gulf South Conference volleyball match in Carrollton, Ga. Tuesday night.

The victory kept the Lady Falcons in the race for the fourth and final spot (East Division) in the Gulf South Conference Tournament. The win also broke a six-match losing skid.

UM won the first two games 30-26 and 30-24, lost the next two 30-23 and 30-28, then recorded a 15-9 game five victory.

Four Lady Falcons finished in double figures in kills. Katie Johnson and Katy Handrick led UM with 17 and 14 kills, respectively. Lauren Markle and Lauren Tortorici added 11 and 10 kills, respectively. Cami Johnson collected a match-high 15 digs, while Joy Peschman had 50 assists. Markle had four block assists, while Handrick and Peschman had three service aces each.

UM (3-7 GSC, 8-25) will travel to Monticello, Ark. for a series of non-conference matches this weekend. UM will meet the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Friday at 5 p.m. UM will then play two matches on Saturday against Ouachita Baptist University (11 a.m.) and host University of Arkansas-Monticello (2 p.m.). All three matches are scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcasts.

MONTEVALLO DROPS TWO MATCHES IN TAMPA
 

TAMPA, Fla. (10/20) -- The University of Montevallo dropped two non-conference matches in Tampa, Fla Saturday. UM lost to Rollins College (four games) and No. 1 University of Tampa (three games).

Rollins defeated UM, 30-25, 30-19, 28-30, 30-27.

Katy Handrick led UM with 18 kills and 13 digs. Monika Tortorici also posted a double-double with 13 kills and 10 digs. Lauren Tortorici had a team-high 21 digs. Lauren Markle and Katie Johnson also collected double figures in kills with 12 and 10, respectively. Joy Peschman had 49 assists.

Tampa defeated UM, 30-19, 30-12 and 30-22. Markle led the Lady Falcons with seven kills. Peschman and Cami Johnson each had 11 digs.

UM (7-25) will return to Gulf South Conference play on Tuesday, when they travel to Carrollton, Ga. for a match against West Georgia. The match will be broadcast on UM Internet Radio. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

LADY FALCONS FALL TO No. 13 FLORIDA SOUTHERN
 

LAKELAND, Fla. (10/19) -- The University of Montevallo lost to No. 13 Florida Southern College (three games) in a non-conference volleyball match in Lakeland, Fla. on Friday.

FSC defeated UM, 30-19, 30-21 and 30-25.

Monika Tortorici led UM with nine kills and 11 digs. Joy Peschman had a match-high 13 digs with 29 assists.

UM (7-23) will travel to Tampa, Fla. on Saturday for matches against Rollins College (12:30 p.m. ET) and No. 1 University of Tampa (5:30 p.m. ET).

MONTEVALLO DROPS GSC MATCH TO UAH
 

HUNTSVILLE (10/16) -- The University of Montevallo lost to the University of Alabama-Huntsville (four games) in a Gulf South Conference volleyball match in Huntsville Tuesday night.

UM won game one 30-21. UAH won the next three games, 30-23, 30-24 and 30-17.

Carson Anderson hit well for UM, hitting .407 for the night. She led UM with 12 kills. Katie Johnson and Monika Tortorici also posted double figures in kills, with 10 each.

Monika had five block assists and three service aces, while Anderson and Johnson had four block assists each. Lauren Tortorici collected a match-high 15 digs. Joy Peschman had 44 assists.

UM (2-7 GSC, 7-22) will travel to Florida for a series of non-conference matches this weekend which includes matchups against top ranked teams. The road trip starts on Friday at No. 13 Florida Southern College Friday night at 7 p.m. (ET).

LADY FALCONS DROP TWO IN SECOND DAY ACTION AT UM COCA-COLA CLASSIC
 

MONTEVALLO (10/13) -- The University of Montevallo dropped two matches in second day action at the 2007 UM Coca-Cola Classic at the People's Bank and Trust Arena and McChesney Student Activity Center on Saturday.

In their first match, UM lost to Lynn University in three games, 30-20, 30-27 and 30-24. Katy Handrick had 11 kills. Katie Johnson added eight kills. Carson Anderson collected six blocks (two solo). Joy Peschman had 32 assists.

In their second match, UM battled with Armstrong Atlantic State University. UM won game one (30-26)and lost games two (30-22) and three (30-26) before tying the match with a 30-25 victory in game four. UM trailed 7-1 in game five, tied the match at 11-11, before falling to AASU 15-12.

Handrick led five Lady Falcons in double figure kills with 16. Kara Zawisza and Anderson added 13 kills each. Monika Tortorici and Katie Johnson had 12 and 11 kills, respectively. Lauren Tortorici collected a season-best 31 digs. Monika also had seven block assists. Peschman had 52 assists.

UM (7-21) returns to Gulf South Conference play at the University of Alabama-Huntsville Tuesday night at 7 p.m. The match is scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.
 

LADY FALCONS WIN TWO IN FIRST DAY ACTION AT UM COCA-COLA CLASSIC
 

MONTEVALLO (10/12) -- The University of Montevallo won two matches in first day action at the 2007 UM Coca-Cola Classic at the People's Bank and Trust Arena and McChesney Student Activity Center on Friday.

In their first match, UM defeated Martin Methodist College in three games, 30-19, 30-18 and 30-23. Katy Handrick and Carson Anderson led UM with 15 and 10 kills, respectively. Monika and Lauren Tortorici collected 11 digs each. Joy Peschman had 44 assists.

UM then defeated Fort Valley State University in four games, 30-11, 27-30, 30-15 and 30-14. Handrick led UM with a match-high 22 kills. Katie Johnson was a close second, with 13 kills.  Lauren Tortorici had 13 digs, while Peschman had 53 assists.
 

UM (7-19) will continue at the UM Coca-Cola Classic on Saturday. UM will meet Lynn University (10 a.m.) and Armstrong Atlantic State University (4 p.m.) in non-conference matches. Both matches are scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcasts.

LADY FALCONS FALL TO WEST ALABAMA
 

LIVINGSTON (10/9) -- The Lady Falcons dropped a Gulf South Conference match at the University of West Alabama Tuesday night in Livingston.

UWA defeated UM in three games, 30-25, 30-18 and 30-23.

Kara Zawisza led UM with eight kills, while Lauren Markle added six kills. Lauren Tortorici had 10 digs, while Joy Peschman collected 28 assists.

UM (2-6 GSC, 5-19) will host the UM Coca-Cola Classic beginning on Friday. UM will meet Martin Methodist College (2 p.m.) and Fort Valley State (6 p.m.) on Friday in non-conference matches. Both matches are scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcasts.

MONTEVALLO FALLS TO WEST FLORIDA
 

MONTEVALLO (10/6) -- The Lady Falcons raced out of the gate and earned a game one victory, however the University of West Florida won the next three games to defeat UM in a Gulf South Conference volleyball match at the People's Bank and Trust Arena and McChesney Student Activity Center on Saturday.

UM committed only two hitting errors and hit .633 for the game as the Lady Falcons won game one 30-20. UWF bounced back to win the next three games, 30-17, 30-14 and 30-22.

Katy Handrick and Katie Johnson collected double figures in kills to lead UM. Handrick had 13 kills, while Johnson added 11 kills. Carson Anderson added nine kills and five blocks (one solo). Joy Peschman had 42 set assists. Peschman and Lauren Tortorici had 10 digs each.

UM (2-5 GSC, 5-18) will travel to No. 25 University of West Alabama for a Gulf South Conference match, Tuesday night at 7 p.m. The match will be broadcast UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

MONTEVALLO RALLIES TO DEFEAT VALDOSTA STATE
 

MONTEVALLO (10/5) -- The University of Montevallo rallied from an 0-2 deficit to defeat Valdosta State University (five games) in a Gulf South Conference volleyball match at the People's Bank and Trust Arena and McChesney Student Activity Center on Friday.

After dropping the first two games to VSU 30-25 and 30-25, UM won the next three games, 30-21, 30-17 and 15-13.

Four Lady Falcons posted double figures in kills, led by Monika Tortorici with 19. Katy Handrick added 15 kills, while Katie Johnson and Lauren Tortorici had 13 and 12 kills, respectively.

Monika also had 21 digs, five service aces and five blocks. Carson Anderson also had five blocks.
Joy Peschman collected a season-best 55 assists. Peschman, Monika and Lauren Tortorici and Handrick all posted double-double outings.

UM (2-4 GSC, 5-17) will host the University of West Florida for a Gulf South Conference match, beginning at 2 p.m. The match will be broadcast UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

MONTEVALLO DROPS GSC MATCH TO NORTH ALABAMA
 

MONTEVALLO (10/2) -- The University of Montevallo earned a game one victory over the University of North Alabama, however lost the next three games to the the Lions, in  a Gulf South Conference volleyball match at the People's Bank and Trust Arena and McChesney Student Activity Center on Tuesday.

UM defeated the Lions in game one, 30-18. UNA won the next two games 30-17 and 30-8. In game four, UM jumped out to an 8-2 lead, however the Lions eventually prevaled, 30-23.

Kara Zawisza and Katy Handrick led the Lady Falcons with 10 kills each. Defensively, UM had a solid blocking effort, with 17 blocks (one solo). Katy Johnson and Lauren Markle collected six blocks each. Joy Peschman collected 31assists, and five service aces. Lauren Tortorici had 15 digs.

UM (1-4 GSC, 4-17) will host Valdosta State University for a Gulf South Conference match, beginning at 7 p.m. The match will be broadcast UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

LADY FALCONS DROP GSC MATCH AGAINST WEST GEORGIA
 

MONTEVALLO (9/25) -- The University of Montevallo volleyball team dropped a Gulf South Conference match against the University of West Georgia, in action at the People's Bank and Trust Arena and McChesney Student Activity Center on Tuesday.

UM trailed most of game one, and led for portions of games two and three. However, the visiting Wolves ended the match in three games, 30-25, 30-23 and 31-29. 

Kara Zawisza and Katy Handrick posted double-double outings to pace UM. Zawisza had match-highs in kills (15) and digs (14), while Handrick added 14 kills and 12 digs. Joy Peschman collected 42 set assists.

UM (1-3 GSC, 4-16) will have the rest of the week off and will return to action next Tuesday night, October 2nd. UM will host the University of North Alabama for a Gulf South Conference match, beginning at 7 p.m. The match will be broadcast UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

MONTEVALLO FALLS TO NORTH ALABAMA IN GSC MATCH
 

FLORENCE (9/21) -- The University of Montevallo volleyball team fell to 1-2 in conference play, after dropping a Gulf South Conference match at the University of North Alabama  in Florence on Friday.

UNA defeated the Lady Falcons in four games, 30-25, 25-30, 30-11 and 30-19. Kara Zawisza had a season-best 12 kills, while Katy Handrick and Carson Anderson also posted double figures in kills with 11 and 10 kills, respectively.

Rebecca Dowd collected a season-best 17 digs, while Lauren Tortorici added 16 digs. Monika Tortorici had four blocks (one solo) with 10 digs and Joy Peschman had 44 assists.

UM (1-2 GSC, 4-15) will host the University of West Georgia for a Gulf South Conference match Tuesday night at 7 p.m. The match is scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

LADY FALCONS DEFEAT UAH TO EVEN GSC RECORD
 

MONTEVALLO (9/18) -- Monika Tortorici and Katie Johnson had 11 kills each to lead the University of Montevallo to a victory over the University of Alabama-Huntsville, in a Gulf South Conference volleyball match at the McChesney Student Activity Center and People's Bank and Trust Arena Tuesday night.

UM defeated the Lady Chargers in three games (30-15, 30-23 and 30-18). The match took only 70 minutes to complete. With the support of a boisterous crowd, UM jumped out early and stayed ahead, thanks to a season-best .469 hitting on just eight errors. UM also collected a season-best 17 service aces, seven by Monika Tortorici, along with four service aces each by Carson Anderson and Joy Peschman.

Peschman also had 37 assists, while Anderson had four (one solo) of the team's seven blocks. Tortorici and Johnson posted season-bests in hitting. Tortorici hit .611 (11 kills, 18 attempts, no errors) while Johnson had one error in 18 attempts).

The victory snapped an eight-match losing skid.

UM (1-1 GSC, 4-14) travels to the University of North Alabama for a Gulf South Conference match. The match is scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.
 

MONTEVALLO COMES UP SHORT AGAINST HENDERSON STATE AND BARRY AT UNA REGIONAL CROSSOVER
 

FLORENCE (9/15) -- The University of Montevallo volleyball team continued to battle but eventually dropped two matches in second day action at the University of North Alabama Regional Crossover in Florence on Saturday.

UM held brief leads in games one and two, however eventually lost to Henderson State in three games (30-19, 30-22, 30-20). Katy Handrick led UM with eight kills, while Katie Johnson added seven kills and four block assists. Joy Peschman had 23 assists with 10 digs.

UM then lost to Barry University in three games (30-26, 30-26 and 30-23). Monika Tortorici and Kara Zawisza led UM with nine kills each. Monika also had four block assists. Lauren Tortorici had 14 digs. Peschman collected 29 assists and 12 digs.

UM (3-14) will return to Gulf South Conference play this week. The Lady Falcons will host the University of Alabama-Huntsville for a Gulf South Conference match Tuesday night at 7 p.m. The match is scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

LADY FALCONS DEFEATED BY NOVA SOUTHEASTERN
 

FLORENCE (9/14) -- The University of Montevallo volleyball team lost to Nova Southeastern University (four games) in first day action at the UNA Regional Crossover. UM won the first game 30-27, Nova took game two (22-30), three (30-12) and four (30-16). The match was contested at Flowers Hall on the University of North Alabama campus.

Katy Handrick led UM with seven kills. Lauren Tortorici had a match-high 14 digs. Joy Peschman  had 23 assists.

UM (3-12) continues play at the Crossover on Saturday. UM will play Henderson State at 9:30 a.m., along with Barry University at 5 p.m. Both matches are scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcasts.

MONTEVALLO FALLS TO WEST ALABAMA IN GSC OPENER
 

MONTEVALLO (9/11) -- The University of Montevallo volleyball team lost to the University of West Alabama (four games) in the Gulf South Conference opener for both schools. The match was contested at the McChesney Student Activity Center and People's Bank and Trust Arena on Tuesday.

After dropping game one (30-24), UM evened the match winning game two, 30-21. UWA then defeated UM in game three (30-23) and game four (30-27).

Katy Handrick led UM with 16 kills, while Katie Johnson added 11 kills and five block assists. Monika Tortorici also had five block assists. Lauren Tortorici had a team-high 17 digs and three service aces. Joy Peschman had 41 assists.

UM (0-1 GSC, 3-11) travels to Florence this weekend to play in the UNA Regional Crossover, hosted by the University of North Alabama. UM will play Nova Southeastern University (Friday 12:30), Henderson State (Saturday 9:30) and Barry University (Saturday 5:00). All three matches are scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcasts.

LADY FALCONS DROP TWO MATCHES IN SECOND DAY ACTION AT HARDING VOLLEYBALL CLASSIC
 

SEARCY, Ark. (9/8) -- The University of Montevallo volleyball team lost two matches in second day action at the Harding Volleyball Classic on Saturday.

In their first match, UM lost to No. 12 Washburn University in three games, 30-13, 30-24 and 30-21. Kara Zawisza led UM with eight kills and 14 digs.  while Katie Johnson and Carson Anderson added six kills each. Joy Peschman had 21 assists.

UM then lost to Henderson State University in four games. UM won game three, 30-25, after dropping the first two games 30-22 and 30-21. UM then lost game four 30-26. Katy Handick led UM with 17 kills, while Zawisza along with Katie Johnson finished in double figure kills with 11 and 10, respectively. Lauren Tortorici collected 17 digs. Peschman had 46 assists.

UM (3-10) will begin Gulf South Conference East Division play at home on Tuesday, as the Lady Falcons host the University of West Alabama for the Gulf South Conference Volleyball Match of the Week. The match is scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

LADY FALCONS DROP TWO MATCHES IN FIRST DAY ACTION AT HARDING VOLLEYBALL CLASSIC
 

SEARCY, Ark. (9/7) -- The University of Montevallo volleyball team lost two matches in first day action at the Harding Volleyball Classic on Friday.

In their first match, UM lost to tournament host Harding University in three games, 30-19, 30-26 and 30-25. Monika Tortorici led UM with 10 kills while Katie Johnson collected nine kills. Lauren Tortorici had a match-high 17 digs. Monika also had three block assists. Joy Peschman had 27 set assists.

UM then lost to Missouri Southern State University in three games, 30-24, 30-24 and 30-23. Monika Torotorici and Carson Anderson posted double figures in kills with 14 and 11 kills, respectively. Lauren Tortorici had 15 digs. Peschman collected 36 set assists.

UM (3-8) continues play at the HU Classic on Saturday. UM will play No. 12 Washburn University at 1:30 p.m. and Henderson State University at 5 p.m. Both matches are scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

LADY FALCONS EARN VICTORY OVER SOUTHERN ARKANSAS TO CONCLUDE VIVA HEALTH/UM VOLLEYBALL CLASSIC
 

MONTEVALLO (9/1) -- The University of Montevallo volleyball team earned a victory over Southern Arkansas University to conclude the 2007 Viva Health/UM Volleyball Classic in action at the People's Bank and Trust Arena and McChesney Student Activity Center on Saturday.

UM won the first two games over SAU, 30-15 and 30-27.  SAU won game three 31-29, then UM closed out the match with a 30-21 victory in game four.

Earlier in the day, Flagler College defeated UM in four games. UM won game one, 30-28, however dropped the next three games, 30-22, 30-23 and 30-21.

UM (3-6) next competes in Searcy, Ark. at a tournament hosted by Harding University over the weekend. UM will open the tournament against Harding, Friday morning at 11 a.m. All of the UM matches are scheduled to be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

LADY FALCONS DROP TWO IN FIRST DAY ACTION AT
VIVA HEALTH/UM VOLLEYBALL CLASSIC
 

MONTEVALLO (8/31) -- The University of Montevallo volleyball team dropped two matches in first day action at the Viva Health/UM Volleyball Classic at the People's Bank and Trust Arena and McChesney Student Activity Center on Friday.

In their first match, Drury University defeated UM in four games. UM evened the match at 1-1 with a 30-27 victory after losing game one, 30-18. Drury then won the next two games, 30-26 and 30-23.

Katy Handrick led UM with 15 kills. Carson Anderson (11) and Monika Tortorici (10) also had double figures in kills. She also had a match-high 20 digs and four blocks and two service aces. Katie Johnson also had four blocks. Joy Peschman collected 48 assists.

In their second match, Christian Brothers defeated UM in three games, 30-24, 32-30 and 30-25. Handrick led UM with nine kills and 11 digs. Monika and Lauren Tortorici had three service aces each. Peschman picked up 33 assists.

UM (2-5) continues at the 2007 Viva Health/UM Volleyball Classic on Saturday. UM will play Flagler College at 1 p.m., before concluding the tournament against Southern Arkansas University at 7 p.m.
The UM matches will be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

HANDRICK POSTS PERSONAL BEST MARK FOR KILLS  
LADY FALCONS DEFEATS CLARK-ATLANTA
 

ATLANTA, Ga. (8/29) -- Katy Handrick collected a personal-best 24 kills, while adding 14 digs and three service aces to lead the University of Montevallo to a victory over Clark Atlanta University (four games), in a non-conference match in Atlanta, Ga. Wednesday night.

UM won the first two games 30-21 and 30-17. After dropping game three (31-29), the Lady Falcons concluded the match with a 30-20 victory in game four.

Katie Johnson also finished in double figures in kills, with 10. Joy Peschman had 43 assists, 10 digs and five services aces. Monika Tortorici also had five service aces and five blocks.

UM (2-3) will host the 2007 Viva Health/UM Volleyball Classic at the People's Bank and Trust Arena and McChesney Student Activity Center this weekend. It will be the first home matches of the 2007 season for the Lady Falcons. UM will play Drury University in their first match of the tournament Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. All of the UM matches this weekend will be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcast.

LADY FALCONS SPLIT TWO IN SECOND DAY ACTION AT UNK FALL CLASSIC
 

KEARNEY, Neb. (8/25) -- The University of Montevallo volleyball team team split two matches in second day action at the UNK Fall Classic, hosted by the University of Nebraska-Kearney in Kearney, Neb. on Saturday.

In their first match of the day, UM fell behind, but rallied to defeat St. Martin's University (WA) in four games. UM lost game one 30-24, but won the next three games, 30-28, 30-19 and 30-22. The Lady Falcons had a strong defensive effort, with six Lady Falcons collecting double figures in digs, led by Lauren Tortorici, with a match-high 23 digs. Monika Tortorici added 20 digs and seven blocks (two solo). UM added 20 blocks as a team, with Kara Zawisza collecting six block assists.  Lauren (14) and Monika (13) led in kills, while Katie Johnson added 11 kills. Joy Peschman had 50 assists.

In their second match of the day and final match of the tournament, UM played tournament host UNK, in front of an announced crowd of 1,051. UNK defeated the Lady Falcons in three games (30-18, 30-13 and 30-17). Lauren had 18 digs, while Zawisza led UM with six kills, while Peschman had 21 assists.

UM (1-3) travels to Clark Atlanta University for a non-conference match Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. (ET).

LADY FALCONS DROP TWO IN FIRST DAY ACTION AT UNK FALL CLASSIC
 

KEARNEY, Neb. (8/24) -- The University of Montevallo volleyball team team dropped two matches in first day action at the UNK Fall Classic, hosted by the University of Nebraska-Kearney in Kearney, Neb. on Friday.

In their first match of the 2007 season, UM was defeated by Northern State University in three games (30-28, 33-31 and 30-16). Lauren Tortorici and Joy Peschman managed double-doubles. Lauren collected a team-high 11 kills with 15 digs, while Peschman had 12 digs and 33 assists.

UM added seven service aces, four by Katie Johnson.

In their second match of the day against Northwest Missouri State University, the Lady Falcons earned a 32-30 game one victory, before losing the next three games, 30-15, 30-19 and 30-15.

Monika Tortorici had nine kills to lead UM, with Johnson, Katy Handrick and Lauren Tortorici adding eight kills each. Lauren also had a team-high 16 digs. Peschman collected 38 assists.

UM (0-2) continues play at the UNK Fall Classic on Saturday. UM will meet St. Martin's University (WA) at 2:30 p.m., before concluding the tournament against tourney host Nebraska-Kearney at 7 p.m.

The matches will be broadcast on UM Internet Radio, with Marc Tortorici describing the play-by-play action. You will need to have the QuickTime Player, in order to listen to the broadcasts.

2007 SEASON PREVIEW
 

The University of Montevallo volleyball program has enjoyed measured success over the past two years. The Lady Falcons have posted back-to-back 20-win seasons (21-13 overall in 2006), including an eight-match winning streak last fall. As the 2007 season begins, fourth-year head coach Perry Robinson and the Lady Falcons will look to challenge themselves through an upgraded non-conference schedule to a hopeful berth in post-season competition.  The non conference schedule included the programs first trip to Nebraska for a season-opening tournament at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Other tournament stops include Searcy, Arkansas and Florence, Alabama along with two tournaments hosted by UM, the annual Coca-Cola Tournament and the newly renamed Viva Health/UM Volleyball Classic.  A team priority for 2007 is qualifying for the Gulf South Conference Tournament, to be hosted this year at the champion of the GSC West Division.
            “We’ve been close the last couple of years.” Robinson said. “We have to continue to play well and try to win one match at a time. Last year there were three teams battling until the final week to determine the final playoff berth. This year will be no different.”
            The Lady Falcons enter the season with 13 of the 15 Lady Falcons being sophomores or incoming freshmen. The two juniors will be asked to carry the leadership role this season.  Sisters Monika and Lauren Tortorici have collected their fair share of in-season and post-season accolades. They have even higher expectations placed upon them for this season. “They have to do what they have been doing and even more this season.” Robinson said. “With no seniors, we expect them to take the responsibility as on-floor leaders.”
            Lauren was a Second Team All-Gulf South Conference selection. She led the team in several categories. She led the team in kills (437), kills per game (3.52), digs (462) and was second on the team in service aces per game (.41) and digs per game (3.73). Lauren also recorded 25 double-doubles, posting a season-best 22 kills against UAH, and 24 digs against Converse College. Monika posted solid numbers in her second year, leading the team in service aces per game (.54) and hitting percentage (.212), while finishing on the team in kills (370) and kills per game. She also tied a school single-match record of 13 aces and was named GSC East Defensive Player of the Week. This season, she was named to the Pre Season All-Gulf South Conference Team.
            Lauren Markle returns to the Lady Falcons after not competing in 2006. As a freshman in 2005, Markle was second on the team in blocks per game (.77), fourth in kills (241) and kills per game (1.88).
            A talented sophomore class has made the adjustment to the college game and Robinson feels that experience gained from last year will be a key ingredient to success for this season. Katie Johnson was third on the team in kills and kills per game, collected four double-doubles, and posted double figures in kills in nine matches, including a season-best 23 kills against Converse College. Carson Anderson led the team and was among the top five in the GSC in total blocks (129), along with blocks per game (1.18). She was also named GSC East Defensive Player of the Week. Katy Handrick, Joy Peschman and Ashley Stolze enjoyed measured success. Handrick had four double-doubles, nine matches with double figure digs and eight matches of double figure kills. She collected 10 kills and a season-best 20 digs against Ouachita Baptist. Peschman posted just under nine assists per game in shared setting duties and had eight matches of 40 or more set assists, including a season-best 55 assists against Southwest Baptist. Stolze had a season-best 15 kills against OBU, however her season was cut short due to injury.
            Seven freshmen will join the Lady Falcons for 2007. Maureen Esler, a (5-10, Marietta, Ga.) was part of a team that was runner-up in the Georgia 5A State Championships and Area Tournament. Kara Zawisza (5-10, Ann Arbor, Mich.) was a First Team All-Conference pick as a senior and named Honorable Mention All-Conference, Second Team All-Area and voted team MVP in her junior year at Saline High School. Susannah Lamon, (5-8, Birmingham) competed in the Alabama 5A State Championships, named an All-State and All-Coaches Team selection as a senior and Honorable Mention All-State and All-Metro selection as a junior at Briarwood Christian School. Rebecca Dowd (5-10, Dothan) was named First Team-All State, a three-time All-Tournament pick, and part of a team that competed at the Alabama 1A State Championships at Providence Christian School. Lindsay Guess (5-7, Arab) competed in both volleyball and basketball at Arab High School. In volleyball, her team was runner-up in county and area tournaments, while the basketball team was runner-up in the Alabama 5A State Championships. Cami Johnson, (5-9, Madison) was an All-State and All-Area selection and named Huntsville Times Athlete of the Week at Bob Jones High School. Ashley Haynes (5-10, Oxford) was an All-County and Alabama Sportswriters Association Honorable Mention All-State selection (2005) at Oxford High School.
            "Our new players are very athletic, and have worked very hard in the pre-season.” Robinson said. “As they make the adjustments to the college game, they will make contributions by the end of the season.”

UM begins the 2007 regular season on Friday, August 24 as they travel to Kearney, Neb. to compete in a tournament hosted by the University of Nebraska-Kearney. UM will meet the Northern State University in their first match at 10:00 a.m.

LADY FALCONS PICKED SIXTH IN GSC EAST PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL -- TORTORICI NAMED TO PRE-SEASON ALL-GSC TEAM
 

BIRMINGHAM (8/2) -- The University of Montevallo volleyball team team was picked to finish sixth (East) in the 2007 Gulf South Conference Volleyball Coaches Poll it has been announced.

The University of North Alabama was picked first, collecting 32 points. UNA edged out University of West Florida (31), while the University of West Georgia was picked third with 29 points. Valdosta State University was picked fourth (18), the University of Alabama-Huntsville is fifth (14) to edge out UM (13). West Alabama (10) rounds out the poll.

In the GSC West, Harding University was picked to finish first (35). Henderson State University was second (32), while Ouachita Baptist University (23) was third.

Junior Monika Tortorici was named to the Pre-Season All-GSC Team for the second consecutive season. Tortorici led UM in service aces (69), service aces per game (.54) and was second on the team in kills (370) and kills per game (2.89). She tied a school single-match record for service aces, collecting 13 in a victory over Miles College. She was also named GSC East Division Defensive Player of the Week.

UM begins the 2007 regular season on Friday, August 24 as they travel to Kearney, Neb. to compete in a tournament hosted by the University of Nebraska-Kearney. UM will meet the Northern State University in their first match at 10:00 a.m.   

2007 GSC EAST VOLLEYBALL PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL

LADY FALCONS ADD FOUR FOR 2007
 

MONTEVALLO (5/2) -- The University of Montevallo volleyball team announces they have added four student-athletes for 2007. Susannah Lamon, a 5-8 setter/libero from Birmingham, Rebecca Dowd, a 5-10 middle hitter/outside hitter from Dothan, Cami Johnson, a 5-9 outside hitter from Madison and Lindsay Guess, a 5-7 defensive specialist from Arab.

Lamon comes to UM from Briarwood Christian School. where she was part of a squad that competed for the Alabama 5A State Championship in 2006 and made it to the 5A semi-finals in 2005. She was voted to the 2006 All-State team and the All-Coaches team as a Libero.  In 2005 she was named All-Metro setter and Honorable Mention All-State as a setter.  She also competes for the Birmingham Volleyball Club, and plays on the Briarwood Christian softball team.  “Susannah helps us in multiple areas," head coach Perry Robinson said. "She is able to set at a high level and she is comfortable playing defense too.  We look for her to help us in both areas this fall.”

Dowd comes to Montevallo from Providence Christian School, where she was a First Team All-State selection, named to three All-Tournament teams, was team captain and was part of a team that competed at the Alabama 1A State Championships. Her team advanced to the Elite Eight in the 1A Championships. Dowd also played Basketball and Soccer for her high school team.  “Rebecca will be to help us out at various positions as an attacker and blocker.  She will help us improve in both areas.” Robinson said.

Johnson was an All-State, All-Area selection at Bob Jones High School. She was also named the Huntsville Times Athlete of the week in 2006.  She also competes for the NASA Volleyball Club.  “Cami is a great addition.  She has played in many big matches and competed well.  We look for more of the same.”

Guess played volleyball and basketball at Arab High School. where she was voted team captain and named the team’s best defensive player in 2005 and 2006.  Her team was the runner-up in  county and area tournaments in 2007.  For both volleyball and basketball she had the highest senior GPA.  Her basketball team was the runner up in the Alabama 5A State Championship.   “Lindsey is highly competitive and a good defensive player.  We re looking forward to working with her.”

LADY FALCONS SIGN TWO FOR 2007
 

MONTEVALLO (11/20) -- The University of Montevallo volleyball team announces the signing of two student athletes in the recent signing period; Maureen “Moe” Esler, a 5’10’’ outside hitter from Marietta, Ga. and Kara Zawisza, a 5’10’’ outside hitter from Ann Arbor, Mich.

Kara competes for Saline High School where she has been a four-year varsity player and a team captain as a junior.  Kara was named Honorable Mention All-Conference, Second Team All-Area and voted team MVP in her junior year.  Kara’s team qualified for the state quarterfinals for that season where she led the team in digs and kills. Kara also competes on Saline’s basketball team.  For her senior season, she was voted a team captain.  Excelling in the classroom as well as on the court, she is a member of the Gold Honor Roll.  Kara will also compete for M Juniors this upcoming club season. 

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