News

GTCC Volleyball Coach Optimistic for ‘Good’ Season

(Released 8/24/09)

JAMESTOWN -The return of three outstanding players from last year's women's volleyball team at Guilford Technical Community College and a strong recruiting class has Coach Sabrina Johnson smiling.

"We're going to have a great team," Johnson said. "We have quickness and athleticism that will potentially makes us the best team we've had since we started the volleyball program at GTCC three years ago," she said.

The Lady Titans tied for second place in league play last season, compiling al record of 11-8. In the previous two seasons, GTCC had overall records of 8-16 and 15-12.

With a 26-game schedule before the NJCAA Region X tournament in mid- November, GTCC will open regular season play at 7p.m. today (Aug. 25) in a home game against Central Carolina at Ragsdale YMCA in Jamestown.

The Titans did an outstanding job in a scrimmage against a four-year college team on Aug. 14, Johnson said. "We lost the first game by two points and then came back with two wins by 14 points and a final victory by nine points," she said.

"We started practice Aug. 3 and the girls already have bonded so well. Usually that takes a while but these girls have a great deal of enthusiasm - and talent," she said.

Chareesa Brooks of Asheboro returns to her outside hitter position, and also is the captain of the team. "She is 5"7' but jumps like she is a six-footer," Johnson said. "She is a player."

Anna Rice of Randleman, a right side hitter a year ago, has been moved to the position of setter. "She played that position some last season and I look for her to be strong at this position," Johnson said.

Tyrian Frazier of Columbia, SC, is the other returnee, and one that Johnson is depending on to help shut down opponents. "Tyrian is a defensive specialist," she said.

Two girls who also will be playing basketball are key recruits, Johnson said. Ulonda Harris, a former Greensboro Dudley player, is "going to be a big asset," Johnson said. "At 6-4 she can block the ball and be a good defensive player," she said.

DaQuondra Culbertson, recruited from North Rowan High in Spencer, is expected to be a "sparkplug" that will help make the Titans an exciting team, Johnson said. "Her energy level is through the roof."

Johnson described the other newcomers:

• Amber Keranen of Randleman -- a middle hitter and a "great blocker."

• Leanne Pressley of Greensboro - one of two Page High recruits, she is a defensive specialist. "She can hit and dunk on the front line; a real strong player."

• Sierra DeCastillia of South Mills - a right hitter who is a "smart player; she makes good choices."

• Carmen Patterson of Greensboro - Also a former Page High player, who will play as a right side hitter and as a setter. "She is very determined and responds very well to coaching."

• Raven Wattlington of Hillsborough -- She is quick and a very good defensive player.  Raven has "extreme jumping ability. She will be the outside hitter, and will be very strong on the front line."

Grading GTCC Lady Titans
(By Coach Sabrina Johnson)
Basic skills:

• Serve - A
• Pass - B+
• Set-A
• Attack - A
• Block - A
• Dig--C

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