-----Liz Holmes attacks against West Virginia State

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Even on a perfectly sunny day this season, opposing volleyball teams can expect plenty of thunder and lightning when they arrive at Northern Kentucky University.

The fall forecast inside Regents Hall will not be found on any weather channel, but the thunderous attacks of All-American Liz Holmes and the lightning-bolt swings from the left arm of Kristina Eisenmenger will mean hazardous travel for NKU’s opposition. And it doesn’t take doppler radar to accurately predict those two elements will be hovering above when the Norse take the court in 2006.

Holmes, a junior middle hitter, led NKU in kills (471), hitting percentage (.351), blocks (88) and service aces (65) last season. She also had 315 digs and emerged as one of the top players in the nation, earning honorable mention All-America accolades from the AVCA.

The 5-foot-10 Holmes has recorded 868 kills and 580 digs in two seasons with the Norse. She was tabbed first team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference as well as All-Great Lakes Region by the AVCA last year.

Eisenmenger recorded 375 kills and a .325 hitting percentage to earn Great Lakes Region Freshman of the Year honors last season. She also earned first team All-GLVC honors.

Holmes and Eisenmenger helped a youthful NKU squad record 26 wins last fall. The Norse nearly advanced to the GLVC Tournament championship match, but a five-game loss to SIUE in the semifinals ended NKU's season.

“Those two players give us a great 1-2 punch offensively,” NKU head coach Carlos Chia said. “Liz is already one of the best to ever play volleyball at NKU, and she has a chance to lead us to a great season. She attacks with such strength and accuracy. Liz is a great defensive player as well, and her serving is outstanding.

“There are few players who have the all-around game like Liz, and I believe she will be challenging for All-America status the next two years. Kristina had a great freshman year, and she was the best right-side attacker in the region.”

With five starters returning from that 26-7 team, not to mention a strong recruiting class, Chia expects much from his 2006 Norse. Chia beefed-up this year’s non-conference schedule with matches against defending NCAA Division II national champion Grand Valley State, perennial powerhouse Tampa and 2003 national champion North Alabama - all in the first two weeks of the season.

----Andrea Lanham with an attack

Chia, entering his sixth season as head coach of the Norse, should have a good idea of how NKU stacks up against the nation’s top teams early in the year.

“We are playing a very difficult schedule, and it should help us when tournament time arrives,” Chia said. “Our conference is very tough, but we are also playing national powers like Grand Valley State, Tampa and North Alabama. We want to be able to compete against the best teams, and this will give us an opportunity to see where we need to improve to get to that level.”

Senior setter Andrea Lanham, a four-year starter who ranks No. 2 in school history with 3,477 career assists, returns to the lineup. Lanham earned second team All-GLVC honors last season and led the GLVC in service aces at 0.58 sapg.

A graduate of Notre Dame Academy, Lanham served up a school-record nine consecutive aces in the opening round of the GLVC Tournament against Lewis last fall.

“Andrea had a fine junior year, and I think she is going to be one of the region’s top setters this season,” Chia said. “She has a great deal of experience and does a fine job of running our offense.”

NKU is also bolstered by the return of junior outside hitter Tristen Dye, who collected 370 kills and was named second team All-GLVC last season.

“Tristen could be a big key for us this season if she keeps improving,” Chia said. “She is in great condition and did a fine job of working during the spring and summer.”

Junior libero Maria Tieman finished with 289 digs and 40 service aces. Natalie Forbes returns after enjoying a solid freshman year as a defender and setter, while senior outside hitter Jennifer Wirtz will contend for significant playing time on the outside.

Returning letterwinner Brittany Dixon, a junior defensive specialist, will provide depth and experience.

“There is going to be a lot of competition for playing time at several positions. We return some experienced players who need to step up and play consistently each match,” Chia said.

----Maria Tieman is a key in the back row

"Maria did a very good job in the back row last year and serves the ball well. Natalie gained a lot of experience as a freshman and is a versatile player. Brittany and Jennifer both helped us at times last year.”

Plenty of help is on the way for NKU in the form of four recruits from Kentucky state runner-up St. Henry High School. Chia brought in outside hitter Andrea Price, middle hitter Nicole Baker, defensive specialist Megan Dooley and defensive specialist Lindsay Zumdick for this season.

Price, an athletic leaper with a powerful swing, will challenge for a starting position. The daughter of former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Joe Price, the 5-foot-10 freshman is expected to make an immediate impact for NKU this season.

“Andrea is a well-coached athlete who jumps extremely well and can terminate from all positions,” Chia said. “Andrea has great shot selection and amazing body control. She also brings outstanding defense and passing ability, in the tradition of NKU style. Andrea will bring an incredible work ethic and a winning tradition.”

Baker is a solid blocker at 5-10 who could challenge for significant playing time as a freshman. Dooley, a quick athlete with excellent serving skills, will bring her ability to the back row. Zumdick will provide depth and gives Chia another player with a fine serve.

Price, Baker and Dooley also played for the Junior Olympic team coached by Chia, so the newcomers will be familiar with NKU’s style of play.

“It is almost as if they have a whole season under their belts already, like Liz Holmes did prior to coming to NKU,” said Chia, who coached Holmes’ club volleyball team before she signed with the Norse. “It is very exciting to know what to expect from each and every one of them going into the preseason. There will be no unknowns as far as their work ethics, demeanor or skill level.”

NKU expects to challenge SIUE, Indianapolis, Rockhurst and Southern Indiana for the GLVC title this season. The Norse won five consecutive GLVC Tournament championships from 1997-2001 and captured NCAA Division II Great Lakes Region titles in 1998 and ‘99.

The top eight teams will again qualify for the GLVC Tournament this season, with the No. 1 seed earning the right to host the event. SIUE is the defending GLVC Tournament champion.

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