From Staff Reports

Valdosta State’s stellar duo of outside hitters Irene Hannan and Ruthie King were named to the 2010 volleyball preseason All-Gulf South Conference team. Freshman setter Hope Ripsam was named a 2010 Top Newcomer.
Valdosta State was one of just two schools from the GSC East to place multiple players on the preseason team. West Florida led the way with four while both North Alabama and West Alabama each placed a player on the team.
King and Hannan combined for 651 kills and 662 digs in the 2009 season. That was good enough for 6.1 kills and 6.2 digs per game. The combo has been good for 2,166 kills in three seasons.
Both Hannan and King were named first team All-GSC last season and look to be back for more in 2010.
Ripsam is a freshman for the Lady Blazers. She hails from Stanley High School in Westminster, Colorado. Ripsam will compete with senior Emelia Saulter for the starting setter position.
West Florida was chosen to win the team’s third consecutive GSC title while North Alabama was picked second. Valdosta State and West Alabama tied for third while Alabama-Huntsville and West Georgia took fifth and sixth respectively.
The Lady Blazers open the 2010 season when they travel to Fla. for the Lynn Invitational starting on Sept. 3.