Briarwood Christian’s Susannah Lamon recently signed to play for the University of Montevallo Lady Falcons&8217; volleyball team, starting this fall.

Lamon, who served as libero on the Briarwood team that finished runner-up to St. Paul&8217;s in November for the Class 5A volleyball state championship, recently fell in love with the redbrick paths of Montevallo as she chose volleyball over furthering her softball playing career.

&8220;I just knew volleyball was where my heart was, and even though I was good with softball, I knew I just wanted to go farther with volleyball,&8221; Lamon said.

In addition to her time on the Lady Lions&8217; volleyball team, she also competed for the Birmingham Volleyball Club and was a pitcher and shortstop for the Lady Lions softball team.

&8220;She&8217;s a competitor, and I like that,&8221; UM head coach Perry Robinson said.

That competitive spirit is what Robinson expects to see on the court come August, when Lamon competes for the starting libero spot on defense and serves as a back up to setter Joy Peschman.

&8220;Susannah helps us in multiple areas,” Robinson said. “She is able to set at a high level and she is comfortable playing defense too. We look for her to help us in both areas this fall.&8221;

Lamon welcomes the competition she&8217;ll face for the job.

&8220;It’s always helpful, just like in school ball, when there are other girls whose specialty is libero, because it helps you from getting ‘laxed with it. I know I really fight hard and I love playing libero. I’ll do anything for the spot,&8221; Lamon said.

Lamon is one of six set to join Montevallo for 2007. Other players joining the program include Rebecca Dowd, a middle hitter/outside hitter from Providence Christian in Dothan, Bob Jones All-State outside hitter Cami Johnson and Lindsay Guess, a defensive specialist from Arab. From out of state, UM signed two players from out of state,

a outside hitter, Maureen “Moe” Esler, from Marietta, Ga., and Kara Zawisza, a outside hitter from Ann Arbor, Mich.

&8220;The class fills needs. After we played the spring, there are some spots that as people come in, and the returns don’t do well, the incoming players will fill some holes,&8221; Robinson said. &8220;I’m excited. I think it will be fun to get here in preseason and get everybody working together.&8221;

Montevallo will open the 2007 season on August 24 at the University of Nebraska-Kearney Tournament, after going 21-13 last fall