Rebels Volleyball Position Watch: Defensive Specialists

Sept. 6, 2016

OXFORD, Miss. -- The pass is the first contact of each play that can either make or break a single set or even an entire season. Coach McRoberts and his staff are mindful of this and because of that have accumulated great depth at the defensive specialist position.

The Ole Miss volleyball team remains undefeated with the second weekend of play under its belt. The Rebels are still without sophomore defensive specialist Alexis Lee, who remains physically unable to perform as a result of a knee injury suffered in the spring. Lee underwent surgery at the beginning of preseason and is hopeful to return to the court again by the time conference play rolls around. Head coach Steven McRoberts is patient with her progression, but while the Rebels wait for Lee's return, they're getting a good look at the rest of the defensive specialist position group. McRoberts is encouraged by what he is seeing from the four young players, Caroline Adams (Lafayette, La.), Laina Carnes (Lexington, S.C.), Taylor Gill (Madison, Ala.), and Nicole Purcell (Leawood, Kan.).

Purcell joined the Rebels after a decorated four years at Bishop Miege High School, where she competed as a four-year varsity starter. In leading her squad to a state championship, she was named to the All-State Tournament Team, First-Team All-Conference and was featured on Under Armour's Watch List, all in 2015. Purcell has quickly separated herself from the group, starting in the libero position for all six matches, totaling 87 digs and averaging 3.48 digs per set.

"She does a lot of the intangibles. She makes that big dig in the big moment." said McRoberts. "She does a really good job of coming in and taking the second ball when Aubrey (Edie) digs and puts that ball in a good spot for our hitters. I think that is the thing that has helped separate her from the others in her position. They are all close, but that was what we liked as a coaching staff."

The Rebels roster is young, with 12 of the 16 players being freshmen or sophomores. The defensive specialist position in particular holds four sophomores and a freshman. To date, Purcell holds the title as the youngest libero in the Southeastern Conference for the 2016 season. There is great depth to this young group and Coach McRoberts is using that to the Rebels' advantage.

"We feel really good about being able to plug any of the defensive specialists in at any time to give us a lift," said McRoberts. "It is nice to have options and it is nice to be able to look down the bench and know you're sending someone in to do something specific; the player that we are putting in is going to help us get things back on track."

When it comes to Adams, she so far has made it into the rotation consistently, playing right back defense opposite Kathryn Cather. Adams has played in every match totaling 48 digs and averaging 1.92 digs per set for the season. As a freshman, she played in 79 sets, recording 82 digs.

"She has had a nice turnaround from last year. We thought she was going to be our libero last year and she was really close to earning that spot in the preseason but then lost confidence and didn't finish well last year," said McRoberts. "She did a lot of work this spring, both physically and mentally to put herself in a position to compete for the libero job again, and from a statistical standpoint, she is our best serve receive passer. She is also one of those who is sneaky good on defense, making plays. I am just really proud of the turnaround she had from last year."

Behind Purcell and Adams is Gill, a sophomore who appeared in 62 sets, recording 95 digs in the 2015 season. To date, Gill has played in nine sets, recording five digs. She has been used as an offensive weapon with her serve, as she substituted in this past weekend at the Rebel Classic for middle blocker Taylor Alexander and outside hitter Kate Gibson to serve.

"She has a very aggressive serve when she is on. It is a good floater that is tough to pass. She is also one that is right there in the mix," said McRoberts. "Caroline and Taylor want to come in early and they want to stay late for reps and that's what helps them compete."

A late addition to the position roster is former setter Carnes. Carnes is entering 2016 as a sophomore with hopes of making her first collegiate appearance in a new position.

"She is learning a new position so she is a little behind. It is a totally different mindset and it is a totally different part of the game," said McRoberts. "Laina has some of the best leadership qualities on the team. She is an encourager and she is the type of person you love having on your roster because she leads the team in the right way and they listen to her. She is a great example of what a good teammate should be."

The defensive specialist position will continue to evolve throughout the season, especially with the return of Lee, but until then the position is left to be fought for. The Rebels look to keep their undefeated streak alive as they take on Arkansas State tonight at home at 6 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

Caroline Adams

Taylor Alexander

Laina Carnes

Kathryn Cather

Kate Gibson

Taylor Gill

Alexis Lee

Nicole Purcell

The University of Mississippi Athletics