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MEDIAQuick Facts .........................................................................2Media Information .............................................................3Media Outlets .....................................................................4Staff Directory ....................................................................52008 Roster ........................................................................62008 Schedule....................................................................7Season Preview ...............................................................8-9Why Oklahoma? ...............................................................10 PLAYERSLacy Barnes ......................................................................12Bridget Laplante ..............................................................13Taylor Harbster .................................................................14Jackie Fotu .......................................................................15Francie Ekwerekwu ..........................................................16Chrissy Disarro ..................................................................17Jasmine Powell ................................................................18Sarah Machen ..................................................................18Megan Bess ......................................................................18Brianne Barker/Suzy Boulavsky ........................................19Kylie Cowan/Danielle Alva ................................................19Caitlin Higgins/Sarah Freudenrich ....................................20Stephanie Puckett ............................................................20

STAFFSantiago Restrepo .......................................................22-23Kelly Files .........................................................................24Sam Ojie ...........................................................................25Nicki Green .......................................................................26Support Staff ....................................................................26President David Boren ......................................................27A.D. Joe Castiglione ..........................................................28Athletics Administration ..................................................29Head Coaches ...................................................................30

OPPONENTSOpponents ..................................................................32-35Big 12 Composite Schedule .........................................35-36

REVIEW2007 Season Review ...................................................38-392007 Results................................................................40-412007 Big 12 Recap ............................................................42

HISTORYYear-By-Year Results ...................................................44-53All-Time Series Records ...............................................54-62

RECORDSCoaching History ..............................................................64USA National Team Members ...........................................65Player Honors ...................................................................66All-Conference Selections .................................................67Academic All-Conference Selections .................................68Individual Match Records .................................................69Team Match Records ........................................................70Single Season Records ......................................................71Career Records..................................................................72Postseason History ...........................................................73Big 12 Records .............................................................74-76Big 12 Annual Leaders ......................................................77Letterwinners ..................................................................78

UNIVERSITYThe University .............................................................80-83Academics ...................................................................84-87Excellence ...................................................................88-89Tradition......................................................................90-91Oklahoma Spirit ..........................................................92-93Community .................................................................94-95Media Attention ..........................................................96-97Strength/Sports Medicine ...........................................98-99Facilities ..................................................................100-101McCasland Field House ............................................102-103Big 12 Conference ...................................................104-105Norman, Oklahoma .................................................106-107SoonerSports.com ..........................................................108

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GENERAL INFORMATIONSchool .........................................................University of OklahomaLocation .................................................................... Norman, Okla.Founded .................................................................................. 1890Enrollment ........................................................................... 29,721Conference ............................................................................ Big 12Colors ................................................................Crimson and CreamNickname ............................................................................SoonersVolleyball Arena ...........................................McCasland Field HouseCapacity ................................................................................. 2,000President ................................................................... David L. BorenAthletics Director ...................................................... Joe CastiglioneAssociate AD/SWA ................................................Stephanie Rempe

COACHING STAFFHead Coach .........................................................Santiago Restrepo Alma Mater ....................................... East Stroudsburg, 1986 Career Record ....................................... 196-127 (Nine years) Record at OU ..............................................69-55 (Four years)Assistant Coaches Kelly Files ...............................................Southern Miss, 2002 Sam Ojie .............................................................Tulane, 2003Director of Operations Nicki Green .............................................Southern Miss, 2003

TEAM INFORMATION2007 Record ........................................................................... 22-102007 Big 12 Record (Finish) ............................................. 13-7 (4th)2007 Final AVCA Ranking ............................................................NALetterwinners Returning/Lost ....................................................9/6Starters Returning/Lost ................................................. 2/4+LiberoNewcomers ................................................................................... 6

TEAM HISTORYOklahoma All-Time Record ..............................................595-606-7First year of volleyball ............................................................. 1974NCAA Tournament Appearances .................................................... 5Last NCAA Appearance ............................................................ 2007

MEDIA RELATIONSMain Office Phone ......................................................405.325.8231Fax .........................................................................405.325.7623Address ....................McClendon Center for Intercollegiate Athletics 180 West Brooks, Suite 2525 Norman, OK 73019Web Site .................................................... www.SoonerSports.com

Senior Associate AD/Communications ....................Kenny Mossman E-Mail ..................................................... kmossman@ou.eduAssistant Director (Volleyball Contact) .......................... Cassie Gage E-mail ............................................................. cassie@ou.edu Cell Phone ........................................................405.312.8123 Office Phone .....................................................405.325.8372Associate Director .......................................................... Mike HouckAssociate Director ...................................................Jared ThompsonAssistant Director ........................................................David Bassity Assistant Director ......................................................... Craig Moran Publications Director ....................................................Debbie CoppGraphics Design Director .........................................Scott MatthewsGraduate Assistant .....................................................Phillip RogersGraduate Assistant .................................................... Mitch HeckartGraduate Assistant .....................................................Danny Sexton

2008 MEDIA GUIDE CREDITS

The 2008 volleyball guide was designed and produced by the Oklahoma Athletics Department in Norman, Okla., using Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop.

A total of 700 copies were printed by Transcript Press of Norman at no cost to the taxpayers of the state of Oklahoma. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution (August 2008).

GUIDE DESIGNCassie Gage, Assistant Director and Craig Moran, Assistant Director

COVERSScott Matthews, Graphic Design

CONTRIBUTORSKristin Conder, Debbie Copp, Tim Letcher, Jessica Summers, Jennifer Van Tuyl and Matt Wilson

PHOTOGRAPHYJerry Laizure, Simon Hurst, Shevaun Williams and Associates, Ty Russell, Mark Kraus, Lisa Hall and the

Oklahoma media relations files

Nike is the official sponsor of the University of Oklahoma volleyball program.

QUICK FACTS

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OPPONENT MEDIA RELATIONS DIRECTORY

SCHOOL CONTACT E-MAIL ADDRESS OFFICE PHONE NUMBER WEBSITEBaylor Jon Brown jonathan_brown@baylor.edu 254.710.4049 www.baylorbears.comCal Poly Chris Giovannetti cgiovann@calpoly.edu 805.756.7513 www.gopoly.comColorado Linda Poncin linda.poncin@colorado.edu 303.492.5980 www.cubuffs.comCreighton Rob Anderson randerson@creighton.edu 402.280.5544 www.gocreighton.comHofstra Stephen Gorchov stephen.a.gorchov@hofstra.edu 516.463.4933 www.hofstra.edu/athleticsIowa State Matt Shoultz mshoultz@iastate.edu 515.294.1393 www.cyclones.comKansas Christine Dieckmann cdieck@ku.edu 785.864.7942 www.kuathletics.comKansas State David Wiechmann dwiech@ksu.edu 785.532.7976 www.k-statesports.comMichigan State Shawn Davis sdavis@ath.msu.edu 517.355.2271 www.msuspartans.comMissouri Tom Lewis lewistv@missouri.edu 573.884.9486 www.mutigers.comNebraska Shamus McKnight smcknight@huskers.com 402.472.7772 www.huskers.comRice Jay Jameson jj7473@rice.edu 713.348.8874 www.riceowls.comSan Diego Chris Loucks cloucks@sandiego.edu 619.260.7930 www.usdtoreros.comSouthern California Jason Pommier pommier@usc.edu 213.740.3807 www.usctrojans.comStephen F. Austin Ben Rikard rikardbenja@sfasu.edu 936.468.5801 www.sfajacks.comTexas Spencer Kitley spencerkitley@athletics.utexas.edu 512.232.9438 www.texassports.comTexas A&M Debbie Darrah ddarrah@athletics.tamu.edu 979.845.3218 www.aggieathletics.comTexas-Pan American Bernie Saenz TBA 956.381.2240 www.utpabroncs.comTexas Tech Brandon Ireton brandon.ireton@ttu.edu 806.742.2770 www.texastech.comWichita State Tami Cutler tcutler@goshockers.com 316.978.5559 www.goshockers.com

COVERING PRACTICEThe Sooners will regularly practice at the Howard McCasland Field House, located directly north of the Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Members of the media are asked to inform the media relations office when they will be attending practice. All those attending practice are asked to stay off the court.

CREDENTIAL REqUESTSMedia credentials for University of Oklahoma home contests at Howard McCasland Field House should be requested one day prior to the event. Space is limited on press row and credentials will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests should be made to:Cassie Gage (cassie@ou.edu or 405.325.8372).

GAME DAY MEDIA SERVICESWeekly OU and Big 12 media releases are provided to media covering home volleyball matches prior to the start of the contest. The Oklahoma media relations staff uses StatCrew to provide box scores immediately following the completion of each match. After a brief team meeting following the match, all coaches and players will be available for interviews. Media relations staff will also provide a game summary which will be e-mailed to all local media and those outlets that request it.

INTERVIEWSMedia members wishing to interview head coach Santiago Restrepo and players must call Media Relations contact Cassie Gage for availability. Players and coaches are generally available prior to practice. SOONERSPORTS.COMFor the latest information on OU volleyball, including schedule, results, rosters, stats, game notes, standings, interviews and photos, visit the official web site of University of Oklahoma athletics at www.SoonerSports.com. The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department was proud to go live with a revamped and enhanced SoonerSports.com on July 1, 2007. The new SoonerSports.com is hosted by CBS College Sports.

VIDEO FEEDSSoonerVision will broadcast the majority of OU's 2008-09 sporting contests live on the O-Zone. The O-Zone is the premium portion of SoonerSports.com and features exclusive access to audio, video and content related to Sooner athletics.

kENNY MOSSMANSenior Associate AD

MIkE HOUCkAssociate Director

CASSIE GAGEAssistant DirectorVolleyball Contact

DAVID BASSITYAssistant Director

CRAIG MORANAssistant Director

DEBBIE COPPPublications Director

JARED THOMPSONAssociate Director

SCOTT MATTHEWSGraphic Design Director

MEDIA RELATIONS

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OkLAHOMA CITY STATIONSkFOR (NBC CHANNEL �)Bob Barry, Jr., Sports Director444 E Britton RoadOklahoma City, OK 73114405.478-6366 - Phone405.478-6337 - Fax

kOCO (ABC CHANNEL 5)Mark Rodgers, Sports DirectorP.O. Box 14555Oklahoma City, OK 73113405.475.5257 - Phone405.478.6675 - Fax

KWTV (CBS CHANNEL 9) Dean Blevins, Sports DirectorP.O. Box 14159Oklahoma City, OK 73113405.841.9940 - Phone405.841.9989 - Fax

kOkH FOX 25 (FOX CHANNEL �2)) Myron Patton, Sports Director1228 Wilshire Blvd.Oklahoma City, OK 73111405.843.2525 - Phone405.478.4343- Fax

TULSA STATIONSkJRH (NBC CHANNEL 2)Al Jerkens, Sports DirectorP.O. Box 2Tulsa, OK 74105918.748.1539 - Phone918.748.1436 - Fax

kOTV (CBS CHANNEL 6)John Holcomb, Sports DirectorP.O. Box 6Tulsa, OK 74101918.599.1446 - Phone918.584.5513 - Fax

kTUL (ABC CHANNEL 8)Jack Bunds, Sports DirectorP.O. Box 8Tulsa, OK 74101918.446.3351 - Phone918.445.9359 - Fax

kOkI (FOX CHANNEL 2�)Rob Loeber, Sports Director2625 South MemorialTulsa, OK 74129918.388.5264 - Phone918.388.0516 - Fax

kNTL/WWLS (�0�.9 FM/6�0 AM)Randy Heitz, Sports Director4045 N.W. 64th, Suite 600Oklahoma City, OK 73116405.858.6112 - Phone405.848.1497 - Fax

kREF (��00 AM)T.J. Perry, Sports Director2020 E. AlamedaNorman, OK 73071405.321.1400 - Phone405.321.6820 - Fax

kOkC (�520 AM)Randy Renner, Sports Director 400 East Britton RoadOklahoma City, OK 73113405.475.7020 - Phone405.793.0514 - Fax

kTOk/WkY (�000/9�0 AM)Kim Post, Sports Director50 Penn PlaceOklahoma City, OK 73101405.840.5271 - Phone405.840.2746 - Fax

kTBZ/kAkC (���0/��00 AM)Chris Plank, Sports Director5801 E. 41st, Suite 900Tulsa, OK 71435918.664.2810 - Phone918.665.0555 - Fax

kRMG (7�0 AM)Rick Couri, Sports Director7136 South Yale, Suite 500Tulsa, OK 71436918.493.7111 - Phone918.493.2376 - Fax

CAMPUS SERVICESSOONERVISIONBrandon Meier, Director180 West BrooksNorman, OK 73019405.325.8318 - Phone

TELEVISION & SATELLITE SERVICESChris Turner, Special Production Coord.1600 South JenkinsNorman, OK 73019405.325.6888 - Phone

ASSOCIATED PRESSJeff LatzkeCentral Park One, Suite 202Oklahoma City, OK 73105405.525.2121 - Phone405.524.7465 - Fax

Daily OklahOmanMike Sherman, Sports EditorP.O. Box 25125Oklahoma City, OK 73125405.475.3314 - Phone405.475.3315 - Fax

Tulsa WOrlDJohn Klein, Sports EditorP.O. Box 1770Tulsa, OK 74102918.581.8355 - Phone918.581.8352 - Fax

nOrman TranscripTClay Horning, Sports EditorP.O. Drawer 1058Norman, OK 73070405.366.3535 - Phone405.366.3516 - Fax

OklahOma Daily860 Van Vleet Oval, Room 126Norman, OK 73019405.325.7630 - Phone405.325.6051 - Fax

laWTOn cOnsTiTuTiOnJoey Goodman, Sports EditorP.O. Box 2069Lawton, OK 73502405.353.0620 - Phone405.585.5140 - Fax

Daily arDmOreiTe David Seeley, Sports EditorP.O. Box 1328Ardmore, OK 73402405.223.2200 - Phone405.226.0050 - Fax

shaWnee neWs-sTarFred Fehr, Sports EditorP.O. Box 1688Shawnee, OK 74802405.273.4200 - Phone405.273.4207 - Fax

Dallas mOrninG neWsMark Konradi, College Sports EditorP.O. Box 655237Communications CenterDallas, Texas 75265214.977.8444 - Phone214.651.0580 - Fax

FOrT WOrTh-sTar TeleGramMike Jones, Big 12 Writer(thejonz@email.com)400 W. 7th St.Fort Worth, TX 76102817.390.7760 - Phone817.390.7789 - Fax

PRINT

TELEVISION

RADIO

MEDIA OUTLETS

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ADMINISTRATIONDirector of Athletics Joe Castiglione ............................................................................................. 405.325.8208Executive Associate Athletics Director Larry Naifeh ................................................................................................. 405.325.8241Senior Associate AD/Academics & Student Life Dr. Gerald Gurney ......................................................................................... 405.325.8398Senior Associate AD/Communications Kenny Mossman ........................................................................................... 405.325.8231Senior Associate AD/CFO Greg Phillips ................................................................................................. 405.325.1868Senior Associate AD/SWA Stephanie Rempe ......................................................................................... 405.325.8210Senior Associate AD/Compliance Jason Leonard .............................................................................................. 405.325.7719Senior Associate AD/Administration Gloria Nevarez .............................................................................................. 405.325.7718Assistant AD/Business Affairs Robert Smith ............................................................................................... 405.325.8430Assistant AD/Development Deren Boyd .................................................................................................. 405.325.8546Assistant AD/Ticket Operations Billy Ray Johhnson ....................................................................................... 405.325.8194Assistant AD/Equipment & General Manager of Lloyd Noble Center Greg Tipton .................................................................................................. 405.325.8379Assistant AD/Psychological Services Dr. Nicki Moore ............................................................................................. 405.325.3138Special Assistant to the AD Merv Johnson .............................................................................................. 405.325.8262Special Assistant/Executive Director Varsity O Association Joe Washington............................................................................................ 405.325.8000

DEPARTMENT HEADSAccounting Beth Kelly ..................................................................................................... 405.325.8452Brand Development Suzanne Staley ............................................................................................ 405.325.8547Broadcasting/SoonerVision Brandon Meier ............................................................................................. 405.325.8318Facilities Danny Davis ................................................................................................. 405.325.8235Films/Video Brian Martin................................................................................................. 405.325.8288Graphic Design Scott Matthews ............................................................................................ 405.325.8223Internet Services Jason Matheson ........................................................................................... 405.325.4274Information Systems Casey Bookout ............................................................................................. 405.325.3387Publications Debbie Copp ................................................................................................. 405.325.8367Sooner Club Matt Roberts ................................................................................................ 405.325.8238Sports Enhancement Jerry Schmidt ............................................................................................... 405.325.8370Sports Medicine Scott Anderson ............................................................................................ 405.325.8332

HEAD COACHESBaseball Sunny Golloway .......................................................................................... 405.325.8354 (Oklahoma Christian, 1984)Basketball (Men) Jeff Capel ..................................................................................................... 405.325.4732 (Duke, 1997)Basketball (Women) Sherri Coale .................................................................................................. 405.325.8322 (Oklahoma Christian University of Science & Arts, 1987)Cross Country/Track & Field Martin Smith ............................................................................................... 405.325.8212 (Bridgewater College, 1974)Football Bob Stoops................................................................................................... 405.325.8245 (Iowa, 1983)Golf (Men) Jim Ragan .................................................................................................... 405.325.8342 (Mississippi State, 1990)Golf (Women) Carol Ludvigson ............................................................................................ 405.325.8343 (Oklahoma, 1982)Gymnastics (Men) Mark Williams .............................................................................................. 405.325.8341 (Nebraska, 1980)Gymnastics (Women) K.J. Kindler ................................................................................................... 405.325.6876 (Iowa State, 1992)Rowing Leeanne Crain .............................................................................................. 405.325.6961 (UCLA, 1988) Soccer Nicole Nelson ............................................................................................... 405.325.8296 (Oklahoma City, 1997) Softball Patty Gasso .................................................................................................. 405.325.8371 (Long Beach State, 1984)Tennis (Men) Paul Lockwood ............................................................................................. 405.325.8362 (Oklahoma, 1976)Tennis (Women) David Mullins ............................................................................................... 405.325.8325 (Fresno State, 2001)Volleyball Santiago Restrepo ........................................................................................ 405.325.8364 (East Stroudsburg, 1986)Wrestling Jack Spates ................................................................................................... 405.325.8209 (Slippery Rock, 1975)

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ALPHABETICAL NO. NAME POS. CL.6 Danielle Alva DS/LB Fr.

1 Brianne Barker S Fr.

5 Lacy Barnes DS/LB Sr.

4 Megan Bess OH Fr.-RS

2 Suzy Boulavsky RS/OH Fr.

3 Kylie Cowan S/DS Fr.

12 Chrissy Disarro MB So.

11 Francie Ekwerekwu MB So.

17 Jackie Fotu OH Jr.-TR

13 Sarah Freudenrich MB So.-TR

15 Taylor Harbster DS/LB Jr.-TR

10 Caitlin Higgins OH Fr.

9 Bridget Laplante OH Jr.

8 Sarah Machen MB So.

7 Jasmine Powell OH So.

16 Stephanie Puckett OH So.-TR

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE Suzy Boulavsky boo-LOV-skeeKylie Cowan COW-annChrissy Disarro diss-ARE-oFrancie Ekwerekwu ek-WRECK-wuJackie Fotu Fo-chuSarah Freudenrich Freud-IN-richBridget Laplante la-PLANTSarah Machen Match-inSam Ojie O-JaySantiago Restrepo reh-STREP-oh

BY YEAR Seniors .........................................................1Juniors .........................................................3Sophomores .................................................5Freshmen .....................................................7

BY LOCATION Alabama ......................................................1Kansas ..........................................................1Missouri .......................................................1Oklahoma ....................................................2Texas ..........................................................10Utah .............................................................1

NUMERICALNO. NAME POS. HT. CL. HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL)1 Brianne Barker S 5-9 Fr. Amarillo, Texas (Amarillo HS)2 Suzy Boulavsky RS/OH 6-1 Fr. Houston, Texas (Clear Brook HS)3 Kylie Cowan S/DS 5-10 Fr. Odessa, Texas (Odessa HS)4 Megan Bess OH 6-0 Fr.-RS Farmington, Mo. (Farmington HS)5 Lacy Barnes DS/LB 5-8 Sr. Rose Hill, Kan. (Rose Hill HS)6 Danielle Alva DS/LB 5-6 Fr. Arlington, Texas (The Oakridge School)7 Jasmine Powell OH 5-9 So. Norman, Okla. (Norman North HS)8 Sarah Machen MB 6-1 Fr.-RS Mobile, Ala. (McGill-Toolen HS)9 Bridget Laplante OH 6-0 Jr. Houston, Texas (Klein Oak HS)10 Caitlin Higgins OH 6-0 Fr. Amarillo, Texas (Tascosa HS)11 Francie Ekwerekwu MB 5-11 So. - RS Arlington, Texas (Arlington HS)12 Chrissy Disarro MB 6-1 So. Plano, Texas (Plano East HS)13 Sarah Freudenrich MB 6-4 So.-TR Broken Arrow, Okla. (University of Arkansas)15 Taylor Harbster DS/LB 5-9 Jr. -TR Grand Prairie, Texas (Southeast Missouri )16 Stephanie Puckett OH 5-10 So.-TR Allen, Texas (Texas State University)17 Jackie Fotu OH 6-1 Jr. -TR Alpine, Utah (College of Southern Idaho)

COACHING STAFFHead Coach Santiago Restrepo (East Stroudsburg, ’86); fifth season at OklahomaAssistant Coaches Kelly Files (Southern Miss, ’02); fifth season at Oklahoma Sam Ojie (Tulane, ’03); second season at Oklahoma Director of Volleyball Operations Nicki Green (Southern Miss, ’03); second season at Oklahoma

TEAM ROSTER

First Row (l-r): Brianne Barker, Danielle Alva, Lacy Barnes, Stephanie Puckett, Taylor Harbster, Jasmine Powell, Kylie Cowan and Megan Bess; Second Row (l-r): Bridget Laplante, Caitlin Higgins, Suzy Boulavsky, Jackie Fotu, Sarah Freudenrich, Chrissy Disarro, Sarah Machen and Francie Ekwerekwu

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2008 NCAA Tournament Dates and SitesFIRST AND SECOND ROUNDS Dec. �-7, 2008Campus Sites TBD

REGIONALS Dec. ��-��Sites: Fort Collins, Colo.; University Park, Pa.;Austin, Texas and Seattle, Wash.

SEMIFINALS AND CHAMPIONSHIP Dec. �8 & 20Qwest Center (Omaha, Neb.)

DATE DAY OPPONENT SITE TIMEAUG. 29 FRIDAY ! MICHIGAN STATE NORMAN �0 A.M.

! WICHITA STATE NORMAN 8 P.M.

AUG. �0 SATURDAY ! CAL POLY NORMAN � P.M.

Sept. 4 Thursday & at Southern California Los Angeles, Calif. 5 p.m.

Sept. 5 Friday & vs. San Diego Los Angeles, Calif. 3 p.m.

Sept. 6 Saturday & vs. Hofstra Los Angeles, Calif. 2 p.m.

Sept. 12 Friday # vs. Rice Nacogdoches, Texas 11 a.m.

# at Stephen F. Austin Nacogdoches, Texas 7 p.m.

Sept. 13 Saturday # vs. Creighton Nacogdoches, Texas 11 a.m.

# vs. Texas-Pan American Nacogdoches, Texas 4 p.m.

Sept. �7 WEDNESDAY * MISSOURI NORMAN 7 P.M.

Sept. 21 Sunday * at Texas A&M College Station, Texas 2 p.m.

Sept. 24 Wednesday * at Baylor Waco, Texas 7 p.m.

SEPT. 27 SATURDAY * TEXAS TECH NORMAN TBA

OCT. � WEDNESDAY * TEXAS NORMAN 7 P.M.

Oct. 4 Saturday * at Iowa State Ames, Iowa 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 8 Wednesday * at Nebraska Lincoln, Neb. 7 p.m.

OCT. �� SATURDAY * kANSAS STATE NORMAN TBA

OCT. �5 WEDNESDAY * COLORADO NORMAN 7 P.M.

Oct. 18 Saturday * at Kansas Lawrence, Kan. 7 p.m.

OCT. 25 SATURDAY * NEBRASkA NORMAN 7 P.M.

Oct. 29 Wednesday * at Texas Austin, Texas 6:30 p.m.

NOV. 2 SUNDAY * BAYLOR NORMAN 2 P.M.

Nov. 5 Wednesday * at Kansas State Manhattan, Kan. 7 p.m.

Nov. 9 Sunday * at Missouri Columbia, Mo. 1 p.m.

NOV. �2 WEDNESDAY * kANSAS NORMAN 7 P.M.

Nov. 15 Saturday * at Texas Tech Lubbock, Texas 7 p.m.

NOV. �9 WEDNESDAY * TEXAS A&M NORMAN 7 P.M.

NOV. 22 SATURDAY * IOWA STATE NORMAN TBA

Nov. 26 Wednesday * at Colorado Boulder, Colo. 6:30 p.m.

! Hilton Nike Invitational (Norman, Okla.)& Trojan Invitation (Los Angeles, Calif.)# SFA Tournament (Nacogdoches, Texas)* Big 12 Conference games

All times Central and subject to change

TEAM SCHEDULE

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When Santiago Restrepo came to Oklahoma five years ago, he set out to make the Sooners a national power in women’s volleyball. Half a decade later, not only

is OU on the map but the Sooners have the pieces in place to be successful for a very long time. Three years ago, the squad surprised the conference and nation. Now, everyone knows – Oklahoma is here to stay.

The manner in which the Sooners have risen may have amazed some, but not those who know Restrepo’s style first hand. He is intense and aggressive on the floor and expects a great deal out of his players on and off the court. His expectations each year are simple – make it to the NCAA Tournament. As with any team, OU’s main goals are to win the Big 12 and a national championship. There is no question; the Sooners are on their way.

With two starters returning from a year ago, the 2008 OU team features one senior, three juniors, five sophomores and seven freshmen. In all, the Sooners’ roster has seven newcomers – five true freshmen and two transfers. With more weight being placed on the younger players this season, the time for the future in Norman is found in the present.

“It is always tough going into a season with the unknown,” Restrepo said. “That is how we are approaching this year. We have some very good players coming in, but we have returners who are very good and experienced. We only have one senior, but if we mesh right away, we will not miss a beat. All of the returners have worked extremely hard over the summer break. We know what some of them are capable of doing on the court. We had some of them play during the spring, and they did a good job.”

In each of the last two seasons, the Sooners were selected in the bottom half of the conference standings during preseason voting. During each of those years, Oklahoma finished in the upper tier of the league – second in 2006 and fourth in 2007. This season, once again, OU was picked near the bottom of the Big 12, finishing eighth in the preseason voting. Only time will tell if the Sooners can break the barrier again, but Restrepo believes his team has a necessary ingredient to be successful. “We are a team that relies on the team,” Restrepo said. “It does not rely on a specific person. My niece gave me a quote that stuck in my mind – ‘We are not a team of superstars. We are a superstar team.’ We do not want to have a superstar we

rely on. We depend on the team. We have to understand that it is not a specific individual carrying the team. It is the team carrying the team.”

It will take the contributions from that team if OU is to be successful this year. Playing what is considered one of the toughest schedules in the country, the Sooners will be tested early. OU begins the year at home with the Hilton Nike Invitational and every team participated in the NCAA Tournament a year ago. The following week, Oklahoma travels to Southern California for the Trojan Invitational. After another non-conference road tournament, OU opens Big 12 play at home against Missouri on September 17.

“The non-conference schedule is extremely tough,” Restrepo said. “It was done that way because we knew we were going to start at least one freshman – maybe two or more. They have to realize the choice they made (to come to Oklahoma) comes with some pressures. This is a very high intensity level of the game. We wanted to give them the experience of playing in that environment right away. It should prepare us for conference play and the NCAA Tournament. They will have to get their feet wet in a hurry for us to be successful.”

SEASON OUTLOOK

BUILDING BLOCkSOklahOma lOOkS tO the FUtURe tO gUide the team iN the pReSeNt

Junior Outside hitter Bridget laplante

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OUTSIDE HITTERSReturning players: Bridget Laplante Jackie Fotu Megan Bess Jasmine PowellNewcomers: Caitlin Higgins Stephanie Puckett Suzy Boulavsky

Again this year, the outside looks to be one of OU’s deepest positions. It is the most obvious strength of the team and returns a very experienced player in junior Bridget Laplante. Sophomore Jackie Fotu also saw playing time last year and, with the introduction of high school standout Caitlin Higgins, the outside hitters are poised to be big-time difference makers.Last season, Laplante tallied 15 double-doubles, averaging 3.08 kills per game and 3.28 digs each time out. Poised to be a go-to player, the Sooners will look to Laplante to lead with good reason. The team carries a 75 percent winning percentage when she is on the floor.

“Bridget is very mature for her age,” Restrepo said. “She manages her time well. She is very strong mentally and we rely on her a lot because she comes through in clutch times. She’s also been successful the last two seasons. When she has been on the floor, we have a 50-16 record. We are going to rely on her a lot because we know she is capable of carrying the weight.”

Higgins was named the west team’s Most Valuable Player of the 2008 Texas Girls Coaches Association 5A All-Star game. After earning first team all-state honors as a junior and senior, she comes to OU with several highly regarded awards.

“Caitlin has a very good knowledge of volleyball,” Restrepo added. “She is going to contribute and we have other players who could get some playing time in those positions like (transfer) Stephanie Puckett. We could also use Jackie on the outside.”

MIDDLE BLOCkERSReturning players: Francie Ekwerekwu Chrissy Disarro Sarah MachenNewcomers: Sarah Freudenrich

One of the league’s top middle blockers, Ekwerekwu returns to pick up where she left off last season. A preseason All-Big 12 selection this year, Ekwerekwu finished last season as a member of the Big 12 All-Freshman team.

“Francie is coming back from surgery on both knees (she redshirted her true freshman season),” Restrepo said. “Last year, she played hurt. I cannot wait to see what she is capable of at 100 percent.”

Just a year ago, on those hurt knees, Ekwerekwu averaged 2.61 kills per game and had a .344 hitting percentage against Big 12 schools. She emerged during the later part of the season, recording double-digit kills in 13 of the last 20 matches.

Sarah Freudenrich comes to OU with a year of experience playing in the Southeastern Conference. A transfer from the University of Arkansas, Freudenrich averaged 1.70 kills and 1.45 blocks for the Razorbacks. She also earned All-Southeastern Conference Freshman team honors.

SETTERSNewcomers: Brianne Barker Kylie Cowan

The position that appears to be most untested for the Sooners will be one considered the most important on the floor. The Sooners have just two players at this position, Brianne Barker and Kylie Cowan, both of whom are new to the program. At least one of these two players will have to step up early if OU expects to contend.

Barker comes to OU with many high school accolades, including being named Texas’ Gatorade Player of the Year and an American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American. Her high school team won back-to-back state titles and with a resume like Barker’s, she knows what it takes to win. Cowan comes to Oklahoma from Odessa, Texas, and has several honors to her credit, as well.

“This is a tough position with everyone being new to our program,” Restrepo said. “It is a position I think both Brianne and Kylie can play. Brianne can run the offense the way I want it run. Kylie needs a little work, but that is what we are here for – to work hard to make players better.”

DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS/LIBEROSReturning players: Lacy Barnes Taylor HarbsterNewcomers: Danielle Alva

Despite just two returners, the Sooners are deep at the defensive specialist/libero position. Lacy Barnes, the only senior on this season’s squad enters her final season with experience from last year. Barnes possesses an impressive work ethic and Restrepo expects to see it carry over to the court during games. A year ago, she averaged 1.70 digs per game.

After transferring from Southeast Missouri State two years ago, junior Taylor Harbster finally has one Sooner season under her belt. She saw action last season, mainly to serve at key points.

“We are very deep in some positions, and this is one of them,” Restrepo said. “Lacy brings experience to the table and has gotten better with her serve, passing and defense. She contributed a lot last year. This year, she will contribute in a different capacity, but I know she can carry the load. We have others like Taylor, Jasmine and Danielle who are all very good defenders. It is going to be good to see a competitive practice.”

Senior defensive Specialist/libero lacy Barnes

SEASON OUTLOOK

“We aRe a team that RelieS ON the team. it dOeSN’t RelY ON a SpeCiFiC peRSON. mY NieCe ONCe gaVe me a QUOte that StUCk iN mY miNd - ‘We aRe NOt a team OF SUpeRStaRS. We aRe a SUpeRStaR team.’ We dON’t WaNt tO haVe a SUpeRStaR We RelY ON. We depeNd ON the team. We haVe tO UNdeRStaNd

that it’S NOt a SpeCiFiC iNdiVidUal CaRRYiNg the team. it’S the team CaRRYiNg the team.”

OklahOma head COaCh SaNtiagO ReStRepO

2008

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WHY OKLAHOMA?

“I wanted to play for Oklahoma because of Coach Restrepo’s good reputation and strong passion for the game. He knows how to be serious and to have fun at the same time while creating a positive atmosphere.”

- Chrissy Disarro

“I chose Oklahoma because it is a great school and has excellent athletic programs. I have always wanted to play in the Big 12 and OU seemed like the perfect fit for me.”

- Caitlin Higgins

“Oklahoma felt like the perfect fit for my personality. I love the school spirit, which apparently OU has. It was one of those moments where from the time I stepped foot on the campus, I knew it was for me.”

- Suzy Boulavsky

“OU has a great academic and athletic program with a great environment. I came to Oklahoma because I loved the feeling that the people at OU and in Norman gave me.”

- Jackie Fotu