Panthers open practice for 2006 season

The LaGrange College volleyball team started the 2006 preseason with two practices Sunday. The Panthers return nine players from last year's 20-13 squad and welcome eight newcomers. Kelly Britsky is beginning her 10th season as the Panthers' head coach. The Panthers will have two seniors this season. Outside hitter Niki Metcalf (Hamilton, Ga./Calvary Christian) was third on the team last season with 220 kills. Megan Moore (Pensacola, Fla./Pensacola Christian) was second on the team with 349 assists and 65 service aces playing the right side and in the middle. Also returning is junior outside hitter Kiley Kirkpatrick (Douglasville, Ga./Chapel Hill), who was second on the team with 223 kills and 102 total blocks. The Panthers open the season Sept. 1-2 at the Extended Stay Invitational in Anchorage, Alaska hosted by the University of Alaska-Anchorage