McCrary Leads Middle Blockers

Central Oklahoma's volleyball team started a week of two-a-day practices Monday in preparation for the fast-approaching 2021 season. We previewed the hitter position for the Bronchos on Tuesday and today it's the middle blockers.

This is probably the most inexperienced position on the team, with sophomore Nalani McCrary the lone player with real match experience.

The athletic McCrary showed flashes of what she's capable of in 2019, finishing with 65 kills and 43 blocks in limited action. McCrary played well during UCO's unofficial spring season and the Bronchos look for her to be a major factor at the net this fall, both as an attacker and blocker.

Second-year freshman Payton Bell was with the team last year and picked up much-needed experience in the spring after the 2020 campaign was canceled by the coronavirus pandemic. Rookie Jenna Karp is expected to come in and provide immediate help, especially with her blocking ability.

"We don't have a lot of depth here, but that's something we'll just have to deal with," head coach Edgar Miraku said. "Nalani worked extremely hard last year and has really grown into her game. Payton had a good spring for us and Jenna has great promise."

Check back with bronchosports.com for more position breakdowns in the coming days. Up next on Tuesday will be the defensive specialists and liberos.

The Bronchos open the season Sept. 3-4 at the Southeastern Oklahoma Invitational.

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Players Mentioned

#8 Payton Bell: MB; 5' 10"; Freshman

#3 Nalani McCrary: MB; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#7 Jenna Karp: MB; 6' 0"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#8 Payton Bell
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: MB

#3 Nalani McCrary
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: MB

#7 Jenna Karp
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: MB

Players Mentioned

#8 Payton Bell

#3 Nalani McCrary

#7 Jenna Karp

Players Mentioned

#8 Payton Bell

#3 Nalani McCrary

#7 Jenna Karp