VIDEO: Kristina Hill and Taylor Lowe Interview

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Today is the final edition of a three-part series that analyzes the roster for Carson-Newman volleyball heading into the 2014 campaign. Today's feature looks at the back line of defense, the liberos, with junior Kristina Hill (Lake Orion, Mich.) and sophomore Taylor Lowe (Franklin, Tenn.).

The liberos is the youngest collective group of players in terms of in-game experience. Lowe was the main libero in 2013 as she played every set last season. The sophomore finished seventh in the South Atlantic Conference with 473 total digs and eighth in the league with 4.34 digs per set. With the nerves of a first year behind her she is looking forward to added responsibilities.

"Coach is really big on effort this year," Lowe said of the liberos role. "It's not so much confusion like last year on whose ball is whose. He is really big on going for the ball at all costs and getting it up."

Hill played in all 29 matches in 2013, one of six players for Carson-Newman to do so. Last season Hill was tasked with working angles and is looking forward to seeing a front line filled with talent in a new offensive system.

"It's going to be a little bit easier for us," Hill said about the idea of spreading the wealth up front. "If we dig a really hard ball and it doesn't go straight to the setter, it's going to be easier for Kirsten [Pickett] to set the outside or right side because they are a little more versatile."

Junior Lindsey Wells (Morristown, Tenn.) has moved from setter to libero where she has been working to learn a new position prior to the start of the season while sophomore Eileen Anderson (Pittstown, N.J.) rounds out the group.

With the season fast approaching, the team is anxious to see the finished product on the court against different colored uniforms.

"I think we are all excited because it is new," Lowe said of the team's emotions before next week's opener. "The atmosphere is new with coach and how he runs things differently."

The Eagles are one week away from beginning the 2014 season when Carson-Newman travels to Belmont, Calif. to play in the Route 92 Tournament.

- CN -