Lantagne Welch Impressed with Progress Through First Two Weeks of Practice

Aug. 23, 2004

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Headed into her fourth season at the helm of the Hurricane volleyball program, Head Coach Nicole Lantagne Welch enters the 2004 season with the most experienced team in her three-year tenure as Miami makes it’s inaugural debut as members of the tradition-rich Atlantic Coast Conference.

The Hurricanes officially kicked off the season with the team’s first official practice Wednesday, August 11 and over the past 14 days have held a series one, two-a-day practices in preparation for the 2004 season.

Through the first weeks of practice, Lantagne Welch has been impressed with the team’s progression and feels confident in the direction in which they are headed.

“Overall, I have been extremely pleased with what we have been able to accomplish thus far. Right now I feel that the level of play of this team is higher than that of any team we have had here in the past.”

A number of players have caught Lantagne Welch’s eye, including preseason All-ACC selection senior Valeria Tipiana and sophomore setter Jill Robinson.

“Val has really been outstanding in practice and Jill seems to be improving her game more and more daily,” Lantagne Welch said.

“Both of our freshman, Michelle Bruin and Ashley Woods, seem to be fitting in quite well and based on some things I’ve seen out of the two of them, could both make an impact on this team this season.,” Lantagne Welch added.

The Hurricanes will hold the annual Green and White scrimmage Tuesday, August 24 at the Knight Sports Complex beginning at 2:30 p.m.