Huntsville, Ala. - Alabama A&M volleyball will look to continue its dominance in the Southwestern Athletic Conference under 2007 SWAC Coach of the Year Nedra Brown. The reigning champions enter the 2008 season with three goals in mind: to win its division, to win the SWAC, and to be successful in the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs have won seven out of eight SWAC titles since eligible for conference post-season play in 2000. With only two seniors lost from last year’s squad, Brown hopes to persevere the winning tradition of the program behind three-time all-SWAC senior middle hitter Brittani Lewis and 2007 Newcomer of the Year Natalie Rodriguez.

With a brand new coach and a whole new system, the issue in the beginning of last season was chemistry. A&M dropped five of its first six games before finding its rhythm and taking 11 of the remaining 14 regular season contests, highlighted by a six-game win streak. The Bulldogs entered the conference tournament energized and defeated Grambling State in the championship to receive their seventh SWAC crown.

Brown says she is excited about this season and looks for some of her newcomers to be impact players right away. “Overall I think that we will be successful as long as everyone stays focused and keeps their minds on what the tasks are,” Brown said.

Here is a position-by-position look at the 2008 squad.

Setter - Rodriguez is expected to accelerate the pace of the offense this year. “Natalie runs the offense magnificently and knows the floor and where everyone is suppose to be,” says Brown. “She has been working hard in the off-season to improve her quickness and performance because we will need to increase the tempo in order for us to be successful on another level.” The Newcomer of the Year finished her opening season with 78 kills, 33 aces, 190 digs, 12 blocks, and led the SWAC in assists last year with 949.

Middle Hitter - Seasoned veteran Lewis holds the key to A&M’s defense and attack. Named as co-captain this year, Brown will look towards Lewis’ leadership on and off the court. She finished last campaign with 36 service aces, 861 total attacks, 66 blocks, and led the SWAC with 341 kills.

Opposite from Lewis will be sophomore Courtney Jenkins. Jenkins saw limited playing time last year, but is expected to play a more vital role this season. “We are looking for Jenkins to step up and bring her tremendous athleticism to the table,” says Brown. “She is a smart player and has come a long way from her freshman year.”

Backing up Lewis and Jenkins will be freshman Anna Crutchfield. The 5-11 Columbus, Ga. native brings her club experiences to the team and will challenge Lewis and Jenkins for playing time.

Right Side/Opposite - Brown calls this her “sleeper” position. She expects the RS to be one of her biggest weapons this year and will rely heavily upon freshman Karensa Beckford to make an immediate contribution. “She is an excellent defensive player and will also make an impact on the offensive side of the ball,” says Brown.

Originally an outside hitter, Darah Hooks will be joining Beckford on the right side. “Darah has worked hard in the off season and can hopefully make a smooth transition into her new position.”

Outside Hitter - Senior co-captain CAssidy Brazelton is expected to pick up where she left off last season. Brown said Brazelton was instrumental in the Bulldog’s run in the SWAC Tournament. “Cassidy is a very smart and experienced player. We will expect her to be a leader on and off the court this season.”

Also returning from last year’s squad is big shocker Madinah Abdullah. Abdullah finished her sophomore campaign second on the team in kills with 240, had 687 total attacks and 23 service aces. Brown said Abdullah has great athletic ability and has tremendously improved her performance on the court since her freshman year.

Newcomers Tabria Majors and Makeda Moore will be competing for playing time this season. Brown said Majors is a very versatile player who will be able to contribute to the team in the long run. Likewise, Moore is a talented player and is expected to push her upper classmen teammates.

Defensive Specialist / Libero - Rose Corneille enters the ‘08 season after a successful freshman campaign. Corneille compiled 342 digs - good for second in the SWAC with an average of 3.85 digs per game. “Rose has awesome control and great court awareness,” says Brown, “She anticipates the ball very well.”

The Bulldogs will open up the 2008 season at the University of Memphis Tournament on Aug. 29.

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Tags: alabama am, alabama am bulldogs, anna crutchfield, black college volleyball, brittani lewis, cassidy brazelton, courtney jenkins, darah hooks, hbcu volleyball, karensa beckford, madinah abdullah, makeda moore, natalie rodriguez, nedra brown, rose cor, swac, tabria majors