Lady Sharks Retool Roster, Welcome 10 New Players
After coming within a victory of a national title, the Miami Dade College volleyball team is retooling its roster by welcoming 10 new players.
The infusion of talent comes from all across the globe, including Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Turkey.
“When [you] have something new, [you’re] able to mold and make it [your own] or your way,” said Lady Sharks Head Volleyball Coach Origenes “Kiko” Benoit. “Now we have the same vision as last year but adding extra to it. That’s the way I see it every year. I plan to be better.”
The top newcomers include Luiza Da Cruz, a setter from Brazil, 6-foot-4 inch middle blocker Esthefany Rabit from the Dominican Republic and sophomore outside hitter Alicia Salgado who played at Coastal Carolina University, a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I school, last season.
Da Cruz played for the Jaraguá do Sul Volleyball Club last season and was named the best player at the State Championship. Her team won back-to-back national titles.
Salgado, who played sparingly for the Chanticleers in South Carolina last year, finished her freshman season with 55.5 points, 45 kills and 133 total attacks.
Rabit, who is the team’s tallest player, is expected to add a powerful presence to the Lady Sharks net game this season.
The four returning players are Ana Tevdoradze, Vivian Lucumi, Beatrice Carulli and Nanyelis Sosa Moreno. From that quartet, Tevoradze and Carulli got the most substantial playing time last season.
Carulli, a five-foot-nine inch outside hitter, had 141 receptions, 116 digs and 42 total attacks last season. She also filled in at defensive setter for about a month after Kiaraliz Perez suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury.
Tevoradze is the team’s unquestioned star. The 6-foot-3 inch outside hitter/right-side hitter earned First-Team All-Coast Conference honors last season while tallying 659 total attacks, 310 total points, 265 kills and 157 digs.
The sophomore was selected team captain this season and is expected to add veteran leadership.
“She’s very hungry to win,” Benoit said. “She still has the bad taste of losing at the Final and she doesn’t want that taste again.”
One of Tevoradze’s goals is to improve the team’s chemistry. Despite winning 24 games last season, various sources said the squad was fragmented into two camps and had trouble communicating through issues.
Thus far, the smiles are at full flex and the overall vibes are positive, Carulli said.
“We have a great team, we just need to put the pieces together and try to get the most out of it,” said assistant coach Yolanda “Margarita” Delgado.
The Lady Sharks start the season on the road on Aug. 25 at 5 p.m. versus Missouri State University-West Plains at the Jefferson College Classic in Missouri.
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