Defending The Beach

June 24, 2002

OXFORD, Miss. - Like many vacationers, Sarah Lansden, a senior on the Ole Miss volleyball squad, is heading to the nearest beach this summer. Lansden, though, won't have to travel far to reach her destination even though she is staying in Oxford. The Kingwood, Texas, native is hitting all the beach volleyball courts in the area.

"I love playing beach volleyball," said Lansden, who led Kingwood High School to three district crowns and was a All-Greater Houston first teamer. "Beach volleyball and college volleyball are two different games. Beach volleyball is more of a defensive-minded game because you only have two players on each team (rather than six). Since I enjoy playing defense, it's a little easier for me to play both.

"I have played in a couple of beach volleyball tournaments in the Houston area. I also play at several courts here in Oxford. It's also a good way to get some sun."

While soaking up the rays on the outdoor courts, Lansden is also honing her defensive skills - something that Ole Miss volleyball coach Joe Getzin is stressing in his first season.

"Defense is my mantra," said Getzin, who took over the Lady Rebel program in January after a highly-successful stint as an assistant coach at South Carolina. "We're going to go after the ball until it hits the floor, so fans will see a lot of bodies flying on the court."

Lansden is one player that fans will see more of this year as a result of a new position - the libero - added to the college game. The libero will play in the backcourt and, from that position, a player cannot attack or set a ball in front of the 3-meter line. With the focus of the position on defense, Lansden feels confident with the new role for 2002.

"I am a versatile player who can help at several positions," said Lansden, who had 192 digs and 49 total blocks last year. "To me, playing libero is just playing defense, and that's my favorite part of the game. I don't like to let a ball drop. I take a lot of pride in my defense."

And it was that pride in defense that led Getzin to pick Lansden for the spot.

"Sarah came to the front this past spring as our best ball-control player," Getzin said. "She is a tremendous defensive player with solid backcourt skills. She will be a middle blocker for us, but when she is not at that position, Sarah will be our libero, and basically that position is seen as a defensive specialist."

Lansden is excited about the upcoming season not only because of a new position for her, but also the energy the new coaching staff has brought to the program.

"We, as a team, have improved both mentally and physically," said Lansden. "We are enjoying playing under the new coaching staff. They have brought a new level of play to the program. The practices are intense, and we are working hard.

"Our team chemistry is great, and we love being around each other and working together. I just want to give it my all. It's going to be a fun year."

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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