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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Middle Blockers Look To Set Tone For 2010
8/24/2010 | Volleyball
Aug. 24, 2010
This is the first of four articles looking at the 2010 edition of the Rebel volleyball team by position as the squad works toward the season opener on Friday.
OXFORD, Miss. -- It all starts up front for the Rebels in 2010 with the position that easily boasts the deepest and most experienced lineup - middle blocker. Returning are the block leaders from a year ago - senior Miranda Kitts and junior Regina Thomas. Thomas led the way with 98 blocks (15 BS, 83 BA), while Kitts turned in 89 blocks and led the way with 20 solo blocks on the season.
Thomas - an All-SEC Freshman Team selection in 2008 - also leads all returning players in attack percentage a year ago as she connected for 210 kills at a .264 clip a year ago. Kitts also proved to be a potent part of the Rebel offense last season as she put down 178 kills. The duo of blockers are second and third amongst returning players in kill totals a year ago, illustrating the load they are expected to carry in the 2010 season.
"Middle blocker is definitely our strong suit right now," Ole Miss head coach Joe Getzin said. "Miranda and Regina really lead the way and Courtney Cunningham falls into that category as well. The three of them bought into working hard over the summer on their own.
"It's awesome to have that kind of mentality from your middles where they want you to just give them the ball. We have three kids who all touch over 10 feet and are tall and agile. They have a lot more upper body strength and are putting a lot of pace on the ball."
Cunningham, a freshman a year ago, has also shown the versatility and athleticism to fill several roles and could be counted on to play at middle blocker, outside hitter and on the right side. The sophomore put down 73 kills a year ago and came on strong late in the season, turning in her best match against Georgia in the final weekend.
Against the Bulldogs, Cunningham displayed her skills with a .750 hitting percentage as she put down 16 kills to go along with three blocks, three digs and two service aces.
Rounding out the Rebel blockers this year is also freshman Brenea White, a 6-1 middle from Humble, Texas.
White garnered first team All-District honors at Humble High School as a senior and claimed second team All-District honors as a junior. She was an honorable mention selection as both a sophomore and a freshman.
