July 1, 2008
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - It was an outstanding 2007 campaign for The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Women's Volleyball program. They went 24-4, didn't lose at home or on the road (all losses were on a neutral court), went a perfect 10-0 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play for the first time in school history, had one of the nation's longest winning streaks in 22 matches and finished as the best serving team in the country. The only disappointment, a tough loss in the MEAC finals to Florida A&M. Head Coach Don Metil thinks he has fixed that however, he made the team even better.
UMES returns the reigning MEAC MVP in Whitney Johnson, a first-team selection in Christine Estebane' and a second-team selection in Caylin Woodward. The Hawks lost only three players, reserves Kate Smith to graduation, Shaylin Sommer, who will not play next year and junior Holiday Eller who also graduated. Eller, the only starter who will not return leaves a void, but one Metil thinks he has filled.
"We tried to get better players for everyone we lost," said Metil. "We did that and then some."
UMES adds three freshmen and a junior college transfer. Zoe Bowens, Christine Edwards and Samantha Pimental will all have four years with UMES while middle blocker Thonya Joseph will have two years in the maroon and grey.
The Lady Hawks will feature two California trained stars in Bowens and Edwards. Both outside hitters, Metil also expects Bowens to see some time in the middle.
"Zoe Bowens brings a wealth of west coast experience to us," said Metil. "She has been fundamentally trained by one of the top clubs in the country (Mizuno Long Beach) and is an explosive, dynamic player to watch." Bowens has competed at the highest level of junior Olympic Volleyball for the past three years. "She will be a key player in our offense and will make a major impact with in the league," Metil added.
Edwards is another player from Mizuno Long Beach who brings experience beyond her years. "She had offers from very well respected mid-west and west coast institutions and we are very fortunate to have such a high caliber of athlete join our volleyball family," said Metil. Edwards hits a heavy ball and is known as a player with great range and ball control. "She is a very talented outside hitter," Metil added. Edwards also brings a dangerous jump spin serve and plays defense almost as well as she attacks. "Christine is a passionate, driven player with the ability to take us to the next level," Metil concluded.
Jospeh will also come to UMES next season from Clarendon Junior College in Texas. The 5-11 middle blocker will be a force at the net . "T.J." as she is called, ranked among the 50 best blockers in nation in JUCO and was as high as 37th. "She has the ability to attack from many different zones and with great velocity and range," said Metil. "T.J. has great hustle and quick reaction time for a middle and that will allow her to see minutes in the back row since she posses a great topspin jumper as well."
The final commitment to the Hawks is setter Samantha Pimental. "Sam brings several tools that will greatly enhance our program," said Metil. "She has an exceptional jump float serve and will compliment our already strong serving. She also adds some additional height (5-10) to our setting position and has displayed the ability to block a great deal of opposing attacks." Pimental is expected to develop into one of the "MEAC's top setters" according to Metil.
UMES plays Virginia Tech in the Hokie Invite on August 29 in Blacksburg Va. to start their 2008 campaign.
