By ALENA HANSON

Contributing Writer

 The Piedmont College Volleyball team has been conducting practices since Aug. 14, so new volleyball shoes are being broken in and sweat has begun to drip. 

The USA South Preseason Coaches’ Poll slated the Lady Lions to finish fifth in the league and third in the South Division. 

Jennifer Sabolsky, a first-year right-side hitter, explained just how hard, yet rewarding, the instructions for the upcoming season are. 

“The techniques taught by the coach just make me want to show up and do my best. There is no doubt in my mind that this year’s team will try their best to win,” Sabolsky said. 

The Virginia native said that the team differs from her previous team, but that is a good thing. 

Sabolsky said, “I like to be challenged. That is what Piedmont is doing. Volleyball has become the highlight of my life at the moment.”  

Head Coach Sid Feldman said that the freshmen make up half of the team, so they are a vital part of the overall success. Two of the freshmen are setters, which adds to the importance of the new players. 

Feldman said, “This is the best recruiting year I have ever had.” 

However, he expects that some freshmen may have to “grow up” prior to the conference championship if a win will be gained. He said that his pre-season excitement has turned into exhaustion from the basic technical training that has been taking place for the past week. 

Lineups are being worked on to ensure that this season will be the best one yet. 

Unlike previous years, however; special emphasis is being put on conditioning. Assistant coach, David Provine, is a certified strength and conditioning coach. 

Feldman said, “He worked with the student-athletes last spring and performed miracles.” 

Every match meets the same kind of dedication as the last, but Feldman’s predicted toughest matches are Covenant, Maryville, Averett and Meredith. However, another tough competitor may be in store for the Lady Lions. Huntingdon has a new coach, who is reportedly  very talented, according to Feldman.

Piedmont will begin the 2015 season at Toccoa Falls College on Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.