Winthrop roundup: lacrosse coach John Sung’s contract extended

The Winthrop athletic department announced that lacrosse coach John Sung has been given an extension through the end of the 2021 season.

Sung guided the Eagles to a conference regular season and tournament title and an NCAA tournament berth in 2015, in the team’s third year of existence. He was named Big South coach of the year for his efforts.

Sung was chosen in May 2011 to become the first women’s lacrosse coach in Winthrop history and in three years has amassed a 34-23 record and a 13-8 mark in the Big South.

During his tenure the Eagles have produced one offensive player of the year award, two freshman of the year honors, one tournament MVP and 15 All-Conference selections. Off the field, the Eagles have been recognized as an IWLCA Academic Honor Squad for the past two seasons.

“I am very appreciative of the opportunity that the administration has given me to continue to build this program,” Sung said. “Our success both on the field and in the classroom has been great and we will strive for new heights every year.”

Sung and his 2016 Eagles will start preparation for their season in late August and begin their run to another conference title in mid-February.

Volleyball heads to Missouri to open season: Coming off its first 20-win season since 2011, the Eagles hit the road to kick off the season this weekend at the Tiger Invitational hosted by Missouri.

The Eagles – on the road for the first three weeks of the season – will face North Texas on Friday at 4 p.m., with contests against Missouri and North Dakota State on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Winthrop lost only two starters from last season but will have to try and replace the quick-hitting Alina Sopizhuk and consistent setter Jessie Vicic. The Eagles return a strong core of attackers and defenders, and will be led by captains Rachel Lenz, Emma Weakland and Hjordis Eiriksdottir.

Lenz, a senior and preseason All-Conference selection will be looked upon to lead the team at the middle blocker position alongside sophomore Keaupono Fey who came on strong in her freshman campaign.

Nikki Drost, a 2014 All-Freshman Team selection, will be expected to have a presence at outside hitter. Newcomer, junior Annelies Dokter has earned a starting spot at outside hitter as well.

Freshman Madilyn McCarty will begin the season as the starting setter as the team has been hit with injuries at that position. Head coach Bruce Atkinson believes that she is ready to step up and lead the team at that position.

Atkinson has two very capable liberos in junior Maria Volstad and freshman Carlie Skelton. Atkinson describes Volstad as a better passer while Skelton is the better defender. He sees a strong possibility of running a two-libero system throughout the season.

A high-tempo attack is typical of an Atkinson offense and it is something he wants to continue this year but knows it will be a learning curve with a new group of attackers with a young setter.

“This weekend is going to be a tough test for this team and I’m not primarily concerned with wins and losses,” Atkinson said. “I want to see our hitters and setter getting in sync and for us to clean up our inconsistencies from practice.”

This story was originally published August 27, 2015 at 12:55 PM with the headline "Winthrop roundup: lacrosse coach John Sung’s contract extended."