Saragosa cleared to play, will only see limited action in team's first 3 games

The Arizona women's volleyball team leaves Thursday to begin the 2002 season, but they will be short handed in their first three games.

Senior middle blocker Stefani Saragosa will only be used in limited action due to a strain of her pectoral muscle.

Saragosa, originally thought to be inactive until the first week of September, has been cleared to play.

Saragosa will be unable to attack, but her presence defensively is a bonus for the Wildcats.

"She is not allowed to swing down as an attacker, but she can be used in limited action if we need her defensively," head coach David Rubio said.

Saragosa said it is tough to watch on the sidelines when everyone else is competing, but she is happy that she will be able to play, even if it is only sparingly.

"Watching from the bench is tough," Saragosa said. "I will be able to play defense and I am happy that I can contribute and help the team."

Freshman middle blocker Bre Ladd will take Saragosa's spot in the starting lineup.

"I have put no pressure on my self while she is out," Ladd said. "All I want to do is step in and help the team in any way that I can."

The UA women's volleyball team began practice in early August and the competitive spirit and determination shown by players in practice has been somewhat of a surprise for the returning veterans.

The Wildcats enter the season with five incoming freshmen, but their work ethic has been more comparable to that of seniors rather then a first year player.

Saragosa said she has not seen the level of play in practice be so competitive in her three years at Arizona.

She continued to say the high level at practice will help the new players compete against Arizona's tough opening schedule, which includes five ranked opponents.

"With such a young group (the freshmen) need to gain experience against top teams and having such competitive practices will allow them to be ready for our tough opening schedule," Saragosa said. "They will be competing against great athletes on the other side of the net and practice will help them be prepared."

Senior outside hitter Shannon Torregrosa agreed with Saragosa.

"With such a talented team, our practices have become a lot more competitive," Torregrosa said. "Last year we would do drills and they would go by pretty quickly, but this year it is so competitive and challenging every day. A lot of people are going for many positions and they are trying to earn them."