Volleyball program looks to overcome obstacles

Armed with a new assistant coach and determination to overcome the limitations placed upon them by a number three pre-season ranking, the Southern University Volleyball team will kick-off the 2003 home season against the University of New Orleans on Tuesday, September 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Clifford T. Seymour Gymnasium.
“We hope to do better than is expected of us,” said head coach Nathaniel Denu, who is in his 23rd season. “We have a good, solid program here at Southern…We have our good season and we have seasons that we have to struggle through.” The Lady Jaguars ended the 2002 season with a 14-16, (6-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) record, good enough for a third-place finish in the SWAC’s final standings.
The Lady Jaguars face the new year without last year’s two stars Mayumi Tekeuki and Kashana Bridges. Both players garnered post-season all-SWAC for the 2002 season. Tekeuki was named the SWAC’s Player-of the-Year and Bridges was bestowed first-team honors. Joining the Lady Jags coaching staff is new assistant coach April George. George comes to the program after being a long-time participant in Denu’s annual volleyball camp. “George will be a great asset to the program in the years to come,” said Denu.
SWAC play is scheduled to begin against the Lady Tigers of Texas Southern University on Thursday, September 11 in Seymour Gym. The Lady Bulldogs of Alabama A&M are predicted to be this season’s top finishers.