Sept. 11, 2008

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - As the Lady Cardinals volleyball team prepares to open play at the Arkansas Invitational at Barnhill Arena on Friday and Saturday, a quick glance at their 1-5 season record can be a little deceiving.

The Lamar women have opened the 2008 season with a steady stream of misfortunes which have left them without the services of one of their top returning players and a revolving lineup.

"We are playing without one of the best and most dynamic players in our conference and we have been battling a handful of injuries," head coach Justin Gibert said. "The injuries have forced us to rely on some inexperienced players, and we've hit a few bumps along the way."

Junior setter Adrianne Meengs, the 2007 Southland Conference Setter of the Year, has not played a match this season due to illness. Senior outside hitter Meagan Adams missed significant time due to an injury and freshman middle blocker Ashley Fey is coming off of a knee injury.

In addition to the injuries LU has had inconsistent performances from some veteran players which have forced several newcomers into action.

Senior Ashley Todd, who started 27 matches as a freshman, has returned to the starting role while Meengs is out. Senior middle blocker Shalayne Blythe is in just her second season on the volleyball court. Sophomore Genevieve Gladle has been a solid starter this season after starting just 10 matches as a freshman. Freshman Courtney Trevino has also been strong for Lamar in her first collegiate action.

Despite their rocky start, Gibert is confident the Lady Cardinals are in the process of turning things around.

"Ashley hasn't started as a setter on a consistent basis since her freshman year, and she is really doing a great job of commanding the team" he said. "Shalayne (Blythe) is just in her second year playing college volleyball after plating two years of college softball and I think she's going to be real force for us. Gen came into the year with a lot of experience, but not a lot of time as a starter and Courtney is in her first year of college volleyball.

"We, without a doubt, should be playing better volleyball, but I'm quickly reminded that we're not a whole unit right now. As we get healthy and continue to gel, this team is going to be pretty good."

The Lady Cardinals open Friday's action at 12 p.m. against Tennessee-Martin and close out the night against the University of Arkansas at 7 p.m. On Saturday the will wrap up tournament play against Virginia Tech at 2 p.m..