June 8, 2010

Taylor Payne Selected To Play At USA Volleyball High Performance Championships

HAMDEN, Conn. - Quinnipiac University volleyball rising sophomore Taylor Payne (Warwick, N.Y.) has been selected to represent the Iroquois Empire Volleyball Association, a member of USA Volleyball, on their International Junior High Performance Team at this year's USA Volleyball High Performance Championships. The championships are scheduled for July 25-30 in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

"I am thrilled that Taylor was selected to the International High Performance team for IREVA. It is a great honor - and a testament to the improvements she made in all facets of her game during the off-season," said Quinnipiac Head Coach Robin Sparks. "Taylor dedicated herself to becoming a complete volleyball player. Having the opportunity to play against the best teams from around the world will only help her during the rest of her career here at QU."

Payne originally was going to redshirt, but was pressed into action in her freshman year. Despite playing out of position for most of the year, her improvement was evident. She finished second on the team with 36 blocks for the season, including four in the Bobcats' five-set victory over Saint Francis (Pa.) on Nov. 15.