DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Volleyball Wraps Up Annual Preseason Scrimmage
8/19/2012 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
Aug. 19, 2012
CHICAGO - The DePaul volleyball team got in some preseason work during its annual preseason scrimmage on Sunday, August 19 in McGrath-Phillips Arena. In a three-set contest, the Blue squad defeated White 2-1 (23-25, 25-15, 25-15).
"It's always good to have a gameday atmosphere, and to see the girls go out there and compete," said third-year head coach Nadia Edwards. "We've been working really hard the last two weeks, preparing for our first match and I was pleased. We have a lot of people ready to go and some options, which is always good. I think Friday will give us an opportunity to see exactly where we're at."
For the blue side, juniors Vesela Zapryanova and Anastasiya Shutava led the way with nine kills apiece. Zapryanova also posted 11 digs to tie with freshman libero Tyler Graham for the team high.
Another junior, middle blocker Natalie Rizzo, had a solid all-around match with five kills, five blocks and two service aces. Freshman Abbie Fleener and Shutava also came up big at the net, recording four blocks apiece.
With seven newcomers on this fall's roster, including two transfers and five freshmen, the scrimmage served as a valuable opportunity for DePaul fans to see a lot of unfamiliar pieces come together in a match-like atmosphere for the first time.
"One of the things we said the first day of preseason is the quicker this group can get together, the better we're going to be," said Edwards. "I think we're there, we're coming together and putting together the pieces of the puzzle quite nicely."
The Blue Demons will remain home for another week of preseason practice before the regular season gets going August 24-25 with the DePaul Invitational. The four-team tournament will feature six matches over a two-day span, including DePaul's season opener on Friday at 7 p.m. against Eastern Illinois.
