With quality wins over Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech and Boston College last year, the 2005-06 Cavaliers left Virginia coach Debbie Ryan and the rest of the Virginia coaching staff a solid foundation on which to build. Last year's team went 20-12 (5-9) and upset Boston College in the first round of the ACC Tournament. The 57-54 win over the No. 25 Eagles proved to be one of Virginia's most exciting victories and left Virginia feeling optimistic about the 2006-07 season.
The major challenge facing Ryan, however, will be finding a way to replace Tiffany Sardin. Despite the welcoming of a solid freshman class, losing Sardin to graduation leaves a huge void for Ryan to fill in terms of experience and leadership.
Sardin was a three-time team captain -- the only player in school history to hold that position three consecutive years since Val Ackerman (1978-81). Earning the nickname "Granny" from her teammates for her leadership as a senior, Sardin started all 32 games for the Cavaliers in her season. Last year, she averaged 11.0 points per game and almost seven rebounds per game.
Ryan will now look to her three seniors -- Sharneé Zoll, Siedah Williams and Brenna McGuire -- to fill Sardin's void and lead the way for Virginia. All three seniors are expected to start and help to build on a 20-12 record from last season.
"I think [being a leader] is getting easier for me," Zoll said. "I came in my first year with five seniors, and I was really hesitant to talk because I knew that they knew the system and what coach wanted. Now I think I have carried that over to the younger girls here."
Zoll, who enters her season with high expectations, will play point guard on a team that could have as many as four guards on the floor at any given time. Despite the size disadvantage, Ryan believes this versatility will be one of her team's best assets.
"You can't go wrong with any line-up on this team," Ryan said. "There is just so much variety. It has been like that in the past, but I think there are now more combinations we can have."
The variation in the line-up and the presence of more than the usual two guards at a time shouldn't be too much of a change for Ryan. Last year, she started three guards (Zoll, McGuire and Takisha Granberry), one forward (Sardin) and a center (Williams). However, with the graduation of Sardin, combined with the return of McGuire, junior guard Denesha Kenion and the recruitment of freshman standout guard Monica Wright, Ryan will be forced to give up height in place of quickness.
No matter what combination of guards and forwards there is out on the court, Ryan will count on Zoll, a Third Team All-ACC and First-Team All-State recipient last year, to navigate the team's offense.
"I am just trying to take over what coach wants," Zoll said. "I realize what coach wants now in almost every set, so I am just trying to relay that message since that is what a point guard is -- a coach on the floor."
The Cavaliers, who have already beat Team Concept 102-67 in an exhibition game, begin regular season play this Friday at Rhode Island. Their home opener will be Sunday against No. 18 Old Dominion. Virginia is ranked No. 20 in the same preseason poll.
Read More
Abysmal start proves too much to overcome as Virginia exits ACC Tournament early
By Ryan Weiner | YesterdayIf the Cavaliers make the NCAA Tournament, they cannot afford to play another game like this.
As the Walshes take their final bow, the swimming world pauses
By Xander Tilock | YesterdayHow could anyone possibly describe the success of this duo?
Virginia women’s track & field wins ACC Championships
By Caroline Wulff | 2 days agoThe last time the Virginia women’s track and field team won ACC Outdoor Championships was 1987 — at least until this past weekend.
