Lady Jags gear up for ’09 opener

Head volleyball coach Nathaniel Denu has dependably prepared the women’s volleyball team for another Southwestern Athletic Conference championship run. Denu will be entering his 29th season as head coach only 12 wins shy from his 500th victory.  
 
Southern University finished fourth in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Western Division in 2008 and defeated the Mississippi Valley State University Devilettes three games to two to advance to the second round of the SWAC postseason tournament for the first time in six years. After a memorable 2008 campaign, SU has been picked to finish third in their division.
 
“We have set a goal at a very lofty height and we need to win the championship this year, and that’s our goal,” said Denu.
 
Seniors LaToya Bean and Banaka Okuone led SU in blocks and finished the 2008 season tied for fifth in the conference. Lorena Beathley set a career high last season with 301 digs and ended the year fifth in the conference. Candace Southall has positioned herself to have a remarkable season with the setting abilities of Sharlene Ruffin. Southall could easily top 300 kills this season.
 
“We’re very young in a lot of areas and inexperienced, but we have people that will step up,” said Denu.
 
The Jaguars begin the season Sept. in Hampton, Va., competing against the Hampton University Lady Pirates.  The first home game is scheduled to take place at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 8 when the Jaguars host Southeastern Louisiana University.