DAYTONA BEACH -- It was only the second day of pre-season practice for Bethune-Cookman volleyball, but coach Isaac Raphael was nonetheless pleased with his team's progress.
"We're way ahead of where we were last year," Raphael said after Friday's second session. "We may be ahead of where we were at the middle of last season. The newcomers may not be physically accustomed to two-a-days, but volleyball-wise, they have the fundamentals."
One freshman who has shown promise is Destiny Hudson, who has earned the nickname "Tiny" because of her small frame.
"Destiny's going to be a good one," Raphael said. "She's aggressive and she has some good role models in Krysta Gardner and Janeen Davis. Once she picks up some size, she'll be all right."
Practice continues this weekend in preparation for the Aug. 24 opener against Charlotte in the East Carolina tournament.